Diana Virgovicova Secures Runner-Up at TiEcon 2025’s “She Pitches, She Wins”
Diana Virgovicova, CEO and Co-founder of Xatoms, was the runner-up in the “She Pitches, She Wins” competition powered by Mayfield AI Garage at TiEcon 2025. She is awarded $30,000 in prize money from TiE Silicon Valley.
The contest showcased women-led AI startups driving impact, and Diana’s vision for clean water solutions stood out.
Her journey began at 14, when she saw polluted rivers in Asia, igniting a lifelong mission. By 17, she had discovered a water-purifying molecule using quantum chemistry, winning global recognition from the Swedish Royal Family. Today, through Xatoms, she leads a breakthrough initiative using AI and quantum calculations to design advanced photocatalysts that purify water faster and more effectively.
Xatoms’ patented materials remove deadly contaminants like heavy metals and pathogens. Just 15g of their catalyst can clean 6,000 bottles of water per year in under 30 minutes. The process is four times more effective and half the cost of existing alternatives. With $1.5 million in sales, three major clients, and a pending $18 million deal with Canadian Natural, Xatoms is scaling fast.
Supported by a top-tier team of AI and chemistry experts (including three Forbes 30 Under 30 co-founders), and advised by leaders from AWS and Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian, Xatoms is backed by $2 million in funding.
Xatoms’ mission is clear: to bring safe, clean water to underserved communities, especially in Africa and Asia. So far, they’ve reached 106,000 people and are on track to save millions more.Diana’s TiEcon victory is a powerful validation of her work and her dream — to eliminate waterborne diseases and empower a healthier, more equitable world.