The Prince of Wales embarked on a meaningful journey to Guildford, where he met with the team at NatureMetrics, an innovative company and finalist in his prestigious Earthshot Prize. On January 29, 2025, Prince William, aged 42, visited this pioneering organization that leverages advanced technology to measure environmental impact. NatureMetrics specializes in collecting and analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) to provide valuable insights into biodiversity. This visit highlighted the prince's commitment to supporting cutting-edge solutions for environmental protection and restoration.
NatureMetrics has made significant strides since becoming a finalist in the Protect and Restore Nature category of the Earthshot Prize Awards held in Cape Town last November. The company secured a substantial $25 million investment through Launchpad, the investment platform associated with the prize. During his tour, Prince William engaged with local schoolchildren and observed demonstrations of eDNA sampling techniques at an onsite lake. He also interacted with Big Manny, a young science communicator who is collaborating with the Earthshot Prize to engage younger audiences globally.
In addition to the lake demonstration, the prince toured the laboratories where all samples are meticulously analyzed. He was introduced to the Intelligence platform, which offers clients detailed insights into biodiversity health. NatureMetrics boasts over 600 clients across more than 110 countries, spanning various industries. The recent investment will significantly enhance the company's data platform, expand its global reach, and scale its solutions to meet growing demand.
The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020, stands as a cornerstone of Prince William's royal work, reflecting his dedication to environmentalism. The prize aims to discover, accelerate, and scale groundbreaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet by 2030. Divided into five categories—Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate—the initiative has garnered international attention. Previous award ceremonies have taken place in London, Boston, Singapore, and most recently, Cape Town.
This visit underscores Prince William's ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in environmental conservation. By engaging with organizations like NatureMetrics, he not only supports their mission but also inspires future generations to take active roles in protecting our planet. The prince's efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between scientific advancements and community involvement to achieve sustainable solutions for a healthier world.