Toronto-based cleantech startup Xatoms has emerged on the global stage after securing major recognition at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The company was selected as part of the World Economic Forum’s 2026 cohort of water innovators, earning international visibility alongside policymakers, multinational executives, and climate leaders. The announcement marks a significant milestone for Canada’s climate and water technology ecosystem at one of the world’s most influential gatherings.
Recognition at Davos
The recognition was announced during the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, where global attention was focused on climate resilience, water security, and emerging technologies. Xatoms’ founder and chief executive officer Diana Virgovicova represented the company in Davos, speaking publicly about its mission and technology. She was the only Canadian founder selected in this year’s cohort, positioning Xatoms as a national representative in global water innovation discussions.
Grant Award and Funding Context
As part of the selection, Xatoms received a $226,000 grant through the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, funded by HCLTech. The initiative represents a total commitment of $2.2 million distributed among ten startups chosen from more than 300 global submissions. The funding is designed to accelerate early-stage water solutions with the potential to scale across regions facing water stress and contamination.
Role of UpLink and Long-Term Support
Beyond the grant, Xatoms will receive three years of structured support from UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation platform. This support includes access to mentorship, strategic partnerships, and global networks spanning corporations, investors, and public-sector stakeholders. The long-term engagement reflects a focus not only on innovation but also on execution, deployment, and real-world impact.
Technology and Scientific Approach
Xatoms’ technology combines quantum chemistry and artificial intelligence to identify advanced photocatalysts capable of purifying contaminated water. Rather than relying on a single purification model, the company designs tailored solutions for specific contaminants and operating conditions. This approach aims to address the complexity of global water challenges, where industrial, municipal, and humanitarian needs vary widely by geography and use case.
Exposure and Global Engagement
During the Davos meetings, Virgovicova presented Xatoms’ work alongside leaders shaping policy and investment in water and climate technologies. She also engaged with executives from multinational companies across consumer goods, chemicals, and industrial sectors, expanding the startup’s visibility beyond traditional cleantech circles. The exposure reinforced Xatoms’ positioning as a commercially relevant solution provider rather than a purely academic or experimental venture.
Building on Prior Momentum
The World Economic Forum recognition builds on Xatoms’ recent momentum, including a $2.1 million pre-seed funding round completed last year to support commercialization. The company has previously received international awards and fellowships, reflecting growing confidence in both its science and its execution capabilities. These milestones signal a transition from early validation toward broader market engagement and pilot deployments.
Xatoms’ selection by the World Economic Forum underscores the rising global relevance of Canadian water technology startups. With new funding, multiyear institutional support, and expanded international visibility, the company is positioned to accelerate its impact on water resilience and contamination challenges. As global pressure on water systems intensifies, Xatoms’ recognition in Davos highlights how advanced science and targeted innovation can move from laboratory research to global solutions.