Shirley Zhong is a co-founder, and COO of Xatoms, which uses patented AI and quantum chemistry technology based on 7 years of R&D to discover new materials that can purify water from bacteria, viruses, and pesticides. The company has created 8 patented materials, which is applied as a coating and integrated into filters for industrial and community-scale water treatment. Xatoms is currently running three pilot projects in Kenya, South Africa and the United States. The company's other co-founders include CEO Diana Virgovicova, and CTO Kerem Topal Ismail.
What is Xatoms and how does it operate as a business?
Today, 4.4 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and a child dies every two minutes from water pollution. Existing purification methods often fail to remove invisible contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and pesticides, posing severe health risks, especially in underserved communities lacking reliable, affordable solutions.
Xatoms' unique approach to the problem has already helped it discover 8 materials that can remove both biological pathogens like E. coli and chemicals like pesticides, using any light source. It's a more affordable alternative to UV reactors and avoids the unpleasant taste and odour associated with chlorine.
Xatoms operates a B2B model, selling to water franchises, filter companies, and communities or aid organizations. Currently, the company is executing three paid pilot projects in Kenya, South Africa, and the United States, valued at CAD$1.5M. Over the past year, Xatoms has presented its technology at prestigious platforms such as the United Nations and G20 Summit, and all three co-founders have been featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 List. The company's first investor is Alexis Ohanian, founder of Reddit. Xatoms made a historic achievement at Startupfest, winning $500K across three categories, and became the first Canadian company in five years to be named among the Top 6 social impact companies by the Hult Prize.
What drew its co-founders to entrepreneurship?
I grew up in Guangdong, China, where water contamination was a constant challenge. Drinking tap water frequently made her sick. Moving to Canada, she was surprised to learn tap water here was safe—yet Indigenous communities still faced unsafe water. This contrast ignited her passion for addressing water issues. She pursued engineering to create scalable solutions for safe, clean water worldwide.
Our CEO, Diana grew up in a small village in Slovakia. At 14, she and her mom backpacked through India, where she saw black, polluted rivers. This experience inspired her to dedicate her life to cleaning water. By age 17, she used quantum chemistry software to discover a new material for water purification. This breakthrough earned her a Diploma of Excellence from the Swedish Royal Family and a full scholarship to study computer engineering at the University of Toronto. Diana founded Xatoms to continue her research and mission.
What is Xatoms hoping to accomplish at the Western Accelerator?
At the Western Accelerator, our goals include upskilling the team and learning from mentors and industry experts. We aim to professionalize the company by establishing clear KPIs, optimizing internal processes, and developing a scalable business model. Through the Regenerator stream, we hope to build a sustainable business model. We also seek guidance from key advisors to help establish efficient business operations and secure funding to support our growth.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your time at the Western Accelerator?
The accelerator cohort feels like a family; everyone is supportive of each other's endeavors. It's a safe space to share both wins and vulnerabilities. One of my favorite workshops was the negotiation session with Ann Frost. We played different roles in a simulated negotiation, aiming to see who could secure the most points. Through this, I learned valuable strategies for planning negotiations and understood that a good deal should be a win-win. I appreciate how the accelerator workshops equip us with practical tools that I can immediately implement in the business.