Each year, the Hult Prize empowers student innovators to tackle the world's biggest challenges. This year, Xatoms, co-founded by U of T students Diana Virgovicova and Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou, alongside Western University student Shirley Zhong, achieved an incredible feat: placing in the Top 6 at the Global Finals out of 10,000 startups! Making history, they were the first Canadian team to get this far in over a decade and the first-ever U of T team to reach the Global Finals.
Their journey began with a win at the Hult Prize Local Competition at U of T coordinated by the Centre for Entrepreneurship. This victory propelled them to the Summits, and with their continued success, all the way to the prestigious Hult Prize Global Accelerator. This 6-week accelerator consisted of a 3-week digital program followed by 3 weeks in-person at the historic Ashridge Castle, where they refined their pitches and business strategies under the guidance of Hult Prize mentors. The Global Accelerator is a highly selective program, with only 16 semi-finalist teams invited to participate. As part of the rigorous due diligence process, all 16 teams had to pitch every Friday, leading to the selection of the top 6 finalists. Xatoms was one of the top 6 teams selected as a finalist. Additionally, for making it to the top 6, each Xatoms founder received a full master’s scholarship to study at Hult International Business School, along with lifetime support as official Hult Prize alumni, a title reserved for semifinalists and finalists.
Watch Xatoms pitch at the Hult Prize Global Finals
Hult Prize Summits
And they're not the only success story whose Hult Prize journey began with the local competition held at U of T!
Luca Hategan, a master’s student, also made waves at the Hult Prize, reaching the Hult Prize Summits with his biotech startup, Re:Pair Genomics. These achievements demonstrate the impressive impact that student-led startups can have.
Congratulations Xatoms and Re:Pair Genomics on these incredible triumphs!
Feeling inspired? The Hult Prize journey continues at U of T
The next Hult Prize Local Competition at U of T is anticipated for February 2025. Whether you're ready to follow in the footsteps of Xatoms and Re:Pair Genomics and pitch your own impactful idea, or you're passionate about entrepreneurship and want to help coordinate the event itself, there's a place for you in the Hult Prize movement at U of T.
Ready to compete?
Stay tuned for full details about 2025 competition dates!
Want to help coordinate?
We're looking for passionate students to join our organizing team. Fill out the Hult Prize Student Organizing Team form to indicate your interest in getting involved and we’ll follow up with you shortly!