Invisible pollutants, including viruses, pesticides, and microorganisms, contribute to 3.5 million deaths globally each year. Traditional water filtration methods have failed to effectively eliminate these dangerous contaminants. Xatoms, a startup in advanced water purification, was selected this year as a 2024 Hult Prize finalist for its innovative solution that leverages AI and cutting-edge chemistry to address this critical issue.
Xatoms has pioneered the development of photocatalysts—advanced, powder-like materials that harness light to purify contaminated water. These materials utilize sunlight or any available light source to initiate a chemical reaction, breaking down pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, and pesticides. Once activated, the photocatalysts transform unsafe water into potable water, offering a powerful, flexible solution for clean water access.
The process is straightforward: Xatoms’ photocatalyst is added to contaminated water, and exposure to a light source—such as sunlight or LED light—activates the material. As the photocatalysts interact with pollutants, the chemical reaction results in clean, safe drinking water, ready for immediate use. This solution does not require complex infrastructure and can be employed in a variety of settings, making it accessible and scalable for widespread application.
Xatoms' technology is designed to address some of the toughest pollutants present in global water systems. The company's patented photocatalysts are effective against a range of contaminants, including bacteria (such as E. coli and Vibrio cholerae), viruses, and chemical pollutants like pesticides (Atrazine) and microorganisms (Giardia).
The materials can be reapplied annually and are most often used as coatings on filters and membranes for water purification systems. This level of reusability ensures that Xatoms’ products are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Founded in 2023 after many years of extensive research and development, Xatoms has made significant strides in the water purification industry. The company's AI-driven process has identified eight unique photocatalysts that can neutralize hazardous pollutants in as little as 30 minutes. Xatoms currently operates three pilot programs and works with key partners, including water franchises and filter companies, to bring clean water solutions to scale.
