Xatoms and Marlow, two innovative ventures, have recently been featured on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 North America 2025 list, highlighting their significant contributions in the fields of manufacturing and healthcare, respectively. This annual list recognizes outstanding young talent across various sectors such as social media, AI, sports, education, media, music, and healthcare.
Xatoms is an AI-powered water purification company co-founded by Diana Virgovicova, Kerem Topal, Ismail Oglou, and Shirley (Yue Ming) Zhong. The venture utilizes advanced technology that combines artificial intelligence and chemistry to detect contaminants in water and purify it for drinking purposes. Xatoms serves a diverse clientele that includes water filter companies, aid organizations, and water franchises operating in the U.S., Kenya, and South Africa. To date, Xatoms has successfully raised $1.1 million in funding through support from the 766 Climate Fellowship and the Compute for Climate Fellowship.
In contrast, Marlow is pioneering change in women’s health with its unique lubricated tampon product, co-founded by Kiara Botha, Harit Sohal, and Nadia Ladak. This brand stands out for its organic product offerings as well as a robust community marketing strategy that focuses on education and empowerment. Marlow has gained attention for its participation on television's Dragon’s Den and operates initiatives such as an educational podcast and the TMI club, aimed at normalizing discussions around women's reproductive health. With funding totaling $1.9 million, Marlow has attracted investments through both dilutive and non-dilutive sources.
Both Xatoms and Marlow have benefited significantly from their association with Western University and TechAlliance, which have supported their growth and development. Their recognition by Forbes illustrates the power of collaboration among industry partners and highlights the vital role that entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and leadership play in fostering innovation. The entrepreneurial education provided by Ivey Business School, alongside mentorship opportunities at TechAlliance, has equipped the founders of these ventures to pursue their ambitious ideas and navigate the challenges of bringing them to market.
TechAlliance expresses enthusiasm for the achievements of Xatoms and Marlow, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the Canadian tech and innovation ecosystem. Their recognition not only reflects their individual accomplishments but also serves as a testament to the broader collaborative efforts within the industry to nurture and support groundbreaking ideas. As advocates for their ongoing success, TechAlliance celebrates the dedication, creativity, and resilience embodied by these young innovators in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as access to clean water and improved reproductive health.
In summary, the inclusion of Xatoms and Marlow on the Forbes list underscores a pivotal moment for these ventures as they continue to scale their innovations, positively impacting lives and contributing to a healthier future for communities around the globe. Their journeys exemplify how passion and purpose can converge to drive significant change within vital sectors, making them worthy of recognition among their peers.