AI-powered water purification startup Xatoms has raised $3M in pre-seed funding to advance its solar-activated, infrastructure-free water treatment solution. The Toronto-based cleantech company combines artificial intelligence and quantum chemistry to discover new materials that can rapidly purify contaminated water using only sunlight or LED light.
For remote communities, Indigenous regions, and industrial sites lacking conventional water systems, clean water access remains an ongoing crisis. Traditional infrastructure is often too expensive or slow to deploy. Xatoms’ breakthrough material purifies water in just 30 minutes, targeting biological pathogens, heavy metals and chemical pollutants – all without the need for complex treatment facilities.
The funding round includes $2M in venture capital and $1M in previously secured non-dilutive grants. The round was led by Quantacet, Canada’s leading quantum VC firm. Xatoms is also 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; 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 (Quantum Insider)).
From Europe to Canada
Xatoms was founded in 2024 by two co-founders originally from Europe(Slovakia and Turkey) including Diana Virgovicova, Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou and Shirley Zhong during their studies at the University of Toronto and Western University. The trio brought together expertise in chemical engineering, quantum science, and AI – along with a shared mission to fight water inequality through technological water purification innovation.
Virgovicova, now CEO, has already earned global recognition for her leadership, including a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 North America 2025. Zhong, who serves as COO, leads product operations, while Oglou oversees the quantum modelling technology.
“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 Virgovicova. “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.”
Investors back water purification innovation
The round was anchored by Quantacet, a specialist quantum fund based in Canada that backs high potential deeptech startups. Chloe Archambault, partner at Quantacet, highlighted the commercial potential of Xatoms’ approach.
“Xatoms is tackling a pressing need and is a great example of how quantum science can drive transformational change for humanity,” said Archambault. “The computational platform they have built represents enormous potential for material discovery for water treatment and beyond. Most importantly, the team demonstrates a great ability to execute. We are eager to build the future of Xatoms with them.”
Genesis Ventures, one of Europe’s top five most active VC firms, also participated in the round. “It’s all about the team, complete and competent in technology and business,” said partner Stergios Anastasiadis. “Water treatment is moving in a new direction with the Xatoms platform, which is based on chemical engineering and quantum science. A lethal combination. A product with global impact made for the betterment of our world.”
BDC’s Thrive Lab, a Canadian investment initiative focused on women-led and impact-driven startups, joined the syndicate as well. “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 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.”
Other investors include tech industry leaders and angel investors such as Joe Gagliese (Viral Nation), Evan Kubes, and Alex Challans (Resonance, Quantum Insider).
Scaling water purification without infrastructure
With this fresh injection of capital, Xatoms will expand its technical and manufacturing teams, launch new pilot deployments, and deepen partnerships with industry, government, and local communities. The startup is already engaged in discussions to deploy its technology in Indigenous territories, underserved remote areas, and industrial zones with high water contamination levels.
Backed by the 776 Climate Fellowship, SXSW Innovative World Tech prize, and Google for Startups’ AI for Nature Accelerator, Xatoms is now accelerating its commercial roadmap. It aims to reshape the water treatment sector through scalable, fast-acting solutions that operate without traditional infrastructure.
Xatoms’ platform also has the potential to extend beyond water purification into new applications for material discovery – from climate tech to sustainable manufacturing.
Purifying more than water
The company’s approach addresses not just environmental problems but also global equity challenges. By enabling clean water access in areas traditionally left behind, Xatoms is setting a new benchmark for climate innovation that combines social impact with scientific precision.
Virgovicova and her team believe the future of water purification lies in decentralisation and speed. Their AI-powered platform is not only redefining material science but also empowering communities with tools to take control of their resources – one drop at a time.
Source: https://techfundingnews.com/
