Prince William embarked on a two-day visit to Bristol on Wednesday and Thursday, where he engaged with various ventures that are pioneering advancements in science, technology, engineering, and sustainability. This visit highlighted the importance of innovation and showcased how these efforts align with pressing global challenges.
While visiting Matter, another Earthshot Prize finalist, Prince William was treated to an energetic conversation about their innovative microplastic filtration systems. He specifically emphasized the need for innovation to solve our environmental challenges. He revealed that he and the Princess of Wales have one of Matter’s devices installed in their washing machine. Their personal approach showcased their dedication to combating ecological challenges tied to textile waste. Prince William was presented with a ball of red microfibres, illustrating the outcome of only ten washes of red towels. In addition, he took a look inside the two plastic boxes filled with microfibres that were collected from a machine designed at reducing this growing concern in the textile manufacturing industry.
A real highlight of the visit was the in-depth tour of the Bristol Robotics Lab. This cutting-edge initiative is a joint venture between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Here, Prince William meets Judith Squires, deputy vice president of the University of Bristol. She told the Prince how honored she was to have him visit the lab. She underscored the lab’s critical work in developing technologies to address challenges from an increasingly aging population.
At the Virginia Inclusive Mobility Hub, Prince William also got to meet an inclusive design innovation—this cool all terrain mobility scooter. He perched atop a small grey, three-wheeled scooter, a device meant to maximize users’ ability to get around. Further to that, he was actually introduced to an exoskeleton that helps people with lack of mobility. Matter CEO and founder Zeke Steer described Matter’s work to help fight the world’s environmental challenges using unconventional technology.
For the final demonstration, Prince William observed a woman operating an exoskeleton outfitted with giant battery packs. From her own personal experience, she presented the tangible ways this technology can improve the daily lives of individuals with mobility challenges. He also carried two Tupperware boxes filled with a cotton-wool-like substance, representing the fate of microfibres that are released into ecosystems.
The recent visit by Prince William to Bristol served to shine a light on the need for more creative and progressive answers. He urged us to do more to confront environmental and social challenges with technology. The engagements communicated a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among these innovators, all working towards building more connected and sustainable futures.