# Xatoms uses AI and quantum chemistry to design sunlight-activated water-cleaning materials

> Original title: How Xatoms is using AI to solve the global water crisis

- Source: SiliconANGLE · AI
- Published: 2026-11-03T01:49:06.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/av2nncyh4xazrx5x7vr75ebao
- Original: https://siliconangle.com/2026/11/02/how-xatoms-is-using-ai-to-solve-the-global-water-crisis/

## Summary

Xatoms, a Toronto-based company founded by Diana Virgovicova, uses AI and quantum chemistry to design sunlight-activated photocatalyst powders that break down pollutants in water. Virgovicova says the process takes about 30 days instead of a decade without AI, and the catalyst works with visible light such as sunlight or LEDs, not UV. Cisco and Global Citizen gave her the 2026 Cisco Youth Leadership Award, which comes with a $250,000 grant.