Prince William toured three Bristol locations showcasing British innovation in environmental technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics on Thursday.
His Royal Highness began at Matter's headquarters, where the sustainable technology company, a finalist for the 2025 Earthshot Prize, developed systems to filter microplastics from water sources.
Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize, which has now entered its sixth year as a global platform celebrating environmental leadership and climate solutions.
The visit took him to the University of Bristol's Isambard-AI facility and concluded at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the UK's leading academic centre for robotics research.
Prince William tried a mobility scooter at Bristol Robotics Laboratory
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At Matter's Bristol base, the prince received a practical demonstration of the firm's household filtration device, which attaches to washing machines to trap harmful microfibres before they reach waterways.
Following this hands-on introduction, he examined the company's industrial-scale technology designed for broader commercial application.
Matter has established partnerships with major brands as part of its mission to tackle microplastic pollution threatening marine ecosystems worldwide.
The prince participated in discussions with these corporate partners about expanding the technology's reach and environmental impact.
The company outlined ambitious plans to extend its pollution-prevention solutions across international markets.
William's second stop bought him to Isambard-AI, housed at the NCC innovation centre, where Britain's most powerful supercomputer can perform calculations in a single second that would take humanity eight decades to complete manually.
Prince William was shown Isambard-AI, the UK's most powerful supercomputer
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University of Bristol researchers explained how this processing capability is advancing drug development for conditions including heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer, alongside improving predictions of extreme weather events.
The machine incorporates energy-efficient cooling systems as part of its sustainable design.
During this visit, Prince William viewed a custom paracanoe seat created for Emma Wiggs MBE, the Paralympic champion who secured gold and silver medals at Paris 2024.
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The Bristol Robotics Laboratory was the prince's final destination, where the joint venture between UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol hosts more than 500 academics, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs at the Frenchay campus.
The facility has earned international recognition for its work in human-centred robotics.
Prince William was shown filters by Earthshot finalist's Matter, and how they work to remove microplastics from clothes
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Prince William discovered how digital and robotic innovations are being engineered to help elderly and disabled individuals maintain their wellbeing independently at home.
He met entrepreneurs from start-ups developing robotics to support dementia management and others revolutionising mobility scooter technology to enhance safety and design for users with limited mobility.
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