Tackling plastic and textile waste through science and technology - From a Dragon’s Den style college competition, to recognition on the Forbes 30 under 30 (2025) list, Dr Hans Hon Sang Chan (DPhil, MSci, MRSC) (LaA, GrE 11-16) is leading the way in plastic and textile recycling through his ground-breaking technology and start-up company.

Fronting innovation

After leaving Christ's Hospital, I did my undergraduate in chemistry at Imperial College London and then a PhD in quantum computing at the University of Oxford. About halfway through my undergrad in 2018, I co-founded the company Matoha Instrumentation Ltd with a classmate at Imperial. This came about from a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition which we won at Imperial College, where we pitched our idea of building a small scanner for identifying plastics to unlock sorting and recycling in the developing world.

Photo: Hans helping to sort recyclable rubbish in Nusa Penida, Indonesia.

Since then, Matoha has grown into a small team of more than 15 people in London, manufacturing and selling AI-powered scanners that can instantly identify textiles and plastics primarily used for waste sorting and recycling. Since 2020 we have sold our technology around the world to more than 50 countries, enabling the diversion of hundreds of thousands of garments from landfill or incineration. Although our start-up has reached ‘break-even’ financially, we recently closed additional fundraising that will allow us to expand.

I was lucky enough to have been recognised with a range of awards, including being named on the Forbes 30 under 30 (2025) list for social impact and awards from the British Science Association, Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the Institute of Physics, Amazon, and McKinsey.

Through my work I continue to engage with sustainability and scientific communities as a speaker at various events in Africa, Asia and Europe. My PhD research in quantum computing has also been published in key journals such as Science Advances and continues to leave an impact with over 100 citations.

A passion for technology

I am passionate about using deep-science and technology to build a more sustainable and safer future. I am also excited to be helping bring manufacturing back to the UK, something that my team and I are driving forward every day.

My time at Christ’s Hospital

I discovered Christ’s Hospital through the UK boarding school expo in Hong Kong and became one of the first from there to join CH. I quickly made friendships which remain strong almost 10 years after having left and I find the network of Old Blues increasingly valuable professionally.

The encouragement I received from my science and maths teachers fanned the flames of my interest in technology, while extracurricular roles – from orchestra to CCF – gave me confidence and leadership skills I use every day.

School achievements and lasting impact

My time at CH gave me experiences that continue to shape who I am today. I was a monitor, received academic buttons and won chemistry and maths awards at Christ’s Hospital, including the Travers buckle for maths. I sang in the chapel choir and scholar Cantorum, led the second violin section in the school orchestra and chamber orchestra, captained the swimming squad and rose through the ranks in the school CCF platoon. Learning to juggle between my studies and other responsibilities has prepared me well for managing Matoha today.

Photo: At CH Hans was awarded Best Sixth Form Chemist and Joint Overall Award Winner by the Thames Valley Society of Chemical Industries. Nominated by Head of Science Marcus Medley, Hans' research on cryogels and his extended essay on the bioavailability of oxygen impressed the panel of judges.

CH played a key role in my life. I developed important foundational technical skills which I use daily, as well as leadership abilities gained from various extracurricular roles – skills that now help me lead a company creating real-world impact.

 

Thank you Hans for sharing your inspirational story with us.

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