Sunday, September 28, 2025
Xatoms, a cleantech startup using AI and quantum chemistry to develop solar-activated water purification solutions, has announced the successful closing of a $3 million pre-seed round, which consists of $2 million in venture capital (VC) funding and $1 million cumulative non-dilutive funding received to date.
Xatoms discovers new materials for water purification using AI and quantum chemistry. Its material purifies water in just 30 minutes using sunlight or LED light. It removes biological pathogens, chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and other persistent contaminants without the need for heavy infrastructure. The solution is designed for use in industrial sites, Indigenous communities, remote regions, and emerging markets where traditional water systems are often unavailable or too expensive.
The round was led by Quantacet, Canada’s leading quantum VC firm. Xatoms is also proud to be supported by Genesis Ventures, one of Europe’s five most active VCs and a global supporter of breakthrough technologies; Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)’s Thrive Lab, which champions women-led, impact-driven companies; the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OVI); and other key ecosystem players such as the League of Innovators, Capital Angel Network, BoxOne Ventures, and prominent angel investors including Joe Gagliese (co-founder of Viral Nation), Evan Kubes, and Alex Challans (co-founders of Resonance and Quantum Insider).
Xatoms was founded in 2024 by entrepreneurs Diana Virgovicova, Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou and Shirley Zhong while at the University of Toronto and Western University.
Since then, Xatoms has received global recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30 North America 2025, 776 Climate Fellowship, Enactus Entrepreneur of the Year, TiE50 Award, SXSW Innovative World Tech, StartupFest prizes, and was recently selected by Google for Startups’ AI for Nature Accelerator to build the next generation of climate technology.
Xatoms’ founding team, from left to right: CTO Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou, CEO Diana Virgovicova, and COO Shirley Zhong. Photo courtesy of Xatoms.
“We started Xatoms with one mission: to use our innovative discovery technology to create materials which can tackle the world’s toughest climate challenges,” said Diana Virgovicova, Co-Founder and CEO of Xatoms. “This funding will allow us to scale our pilot programs, grow our technical and manufacturing teams, and partner with more communities and industrial stakeholders ready for sustainable change. This mission is especially urgent in the face of ongoing water crises affecting Indigenous communities across Canada.”
As the company moves toward large-scale pilot deployments in 2025–26, it is actively seeking partners in North America with mining companies, vertical-farming operators, and textile manufacturers/dye houses.
“Xatoms is led by impressive founders who have developed a solution powered by AI and quantum chemistry that purifies water in just 30 minutes,” said Sévrine Labelle, Managing Director of BDC’s Thrive Lab. “Their solution is very much needed, especially in Indigenous communities and remote regions. We are proud to support this promising company alongside a strong syndicate of co-investment partners, and we look forward to seeing the profound impact their innovation will have on the world. With global support and a growing pipeline of pilot opportunities, Xatoms is entering a pivotal growth phase, advancing partnerships with industry, government, and communities to reimagine water treatment.
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Featured photo credit: Xatoms.
