Nathaniel Banks

Nathaniel Banks
Co-founder & CTO, PolyGone Systems | Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow

Nathaniel is a pioneering innovator in environmental technology, specializing in microplastic monitoring and filtration solutions. As the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of PolyGone Systems, he leads the company’s engineering, research, and product development, driving advancements in sustainable water treatment solutions. His expertise in design, prototyping, and engineering spans over a decade, having worked with some of the world’s most renowned design offices and institutions.

Under Nathaniel’s leadership, PolyGone Systems has secured approximately $2.8 million in funding from federal agencies such as NOAA and the NSF, state organizations including NJCSIT and NJEDA, and private venture capital investors. His work has positioned PolyGone as a leader in cutting-edge environmental solutions, with several large-scale pilot projects, including:

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Pilot (Under Construction)

The West County Wastewater District Treatment Pilot (Detailed Design Phase)

The IISD Experimental Lakes Area Microplastic Monitoring Station (Completed 2023)

Nathaniel’s passion for sustainability and technological innovation is rooted in his architectural and environmental design background. He holds a Master’s in Architecture from Princeton University, where his thesis project, Plastic Plastic, proposed groundbreaking systems for plastic recycling and microplastic collection—earning Best Presentation at the 2021 Princeton Research Day Awards. He also completed his Bachelor’s in Architecture at Syracuse University, where he received the James A. Britton Award for Faculty Favorite Thesis for his work on adaptive building systems. His academic pursuits also led him to University College London, where he studied urban geography and circular development models.

Beyond his technical contributions, Nathaniel is a recognized thought leader in clean technology. He has been invited as a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous prestigious conferences, including:

US-China Cleantech Trade Delegation (2023) – Delivered keynote presentations to government officials and industry leaders across Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and Changzhou.

World Water-Tech North America Showcase (2023) – Presented PolyGone’s innovations to an audience of water utility managers and technology suppliers.

California Water Board Subcommittee on Microplastics (2023) – Shared findings from PolyGone’s research on microplastic pollution.

TMA Blu-Tech Blue Week Conference (2023) – Panelist alongside California water authorities and industry experts.

Circular City Week NYC (2022) – Presented microplastic research and pilot studies.

Nathaniel’s contributions to clean technology have earned him widespread recognition, including being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow in Social Impact (2024), winning the World Water-Tech Startup Competition (2023), and securing finalist spots in prestigious competitions like the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge and Harvard Business School Startup Showcase.

He is also a named inventor on multiple patents pending, including:

Method, Apparatus, and System for Aquatic Microplastic Removal (2021)

Aquatic Microplastics Removal Apparatus (2023)

Modular Floatation System (2023)

With a relentless focus on innovation, environmental impact, and scalable solutions, Nathaniel Banks continues to drive the future of water technology and sustainability.

Website: http://www.polygonesystems.com
Email: [email protected]