
Today, Earthshot Prize President, Prince William visited the headquarters of 2024 Finalist NatureMetrics to learn more about their recent funding and discuss how to overcome challenges in expanding their eDNA technology to support nature conservation.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material that organisms leave behind in their surroundings—through skin, scales, hair, waste, or other biological traces. By collecting and analysing samples from soil, water, or air, researchers can identify species and measure biodiversity without the need for invasive techniques or specialist expertise.
NatureMetrics specializes in making eDNA collection and reporting fast, accurate, and scalable, helping businesses and conservation groups make informed decisions to protect biodiversity.
With biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline ranked as one of the most pressing global risks over the next decade by the World Economic Forum, solutions like NatureMetrics’ technology are vital in tackling environmental challenges.
During his visit, Prince William took part in a live demonstration of the sampling technique with NatureMetrics’ Founder, Kat Bruce, science communicator, Big Manny, and a group of schoolchildren, helping to bring the process to life.
Prince William working with NatureMetrics' sampling technology
Prince William takes part in an experiment with schoolchildren, NatureMetrics founder, Dr Kat Bruce, and science communicator, Big Manny
Over the past ten years, NatureMetrics has played a significant role in advancing biodiversity conservation and monitoring. Now operating in over 110 countries, NatureMetrics works with more than 600 clients across industries such as energy, food and drink, and conservation.
One such company, Fugro, are already leading the way in using eDNA technology to improve environmental assessments, helping organisations see how their activities affect nature and take steps to reduce harm.
Since the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town last year, they have secured a $25 million Series B investment to expand their impact. The funding, led by Just Climate and supported by EDF Pulse Ventures, the Monaco ReOcean Fund, and existing investors such as 2150, BNP Paribas, Ananda Impact Ventures, and SWEN Blue Ocean, was facilitated through The Earthshot Prize’s investment matchmaking platform, Launchpad.
Discover more about how NatureMetrics are scaling up solutions to monitor and protect even the tiniest of organisms.