From 31 August to 3 September 2026, Sion will host the 20th edition of the Summer School on Advanced Biotechnology, organised by the Institute of Life Sciences of HES-SO Valais-Wallis.
This international programme brings together students, professors and researchers for four days of scientific exchange, applied learning and networking around some of the key fields shaping biotechnology today.
BioArk is pleased to sponsor this 2026 edition and will be present on site with a stand throughout the event.
A meeting point for the next generation of biotech talent
The Summer School on Advanced Biotechnology alternates between Switzerland, Italy and Austria. For its 20th edition, it returns to Switzerland with a programme hosted in the heart of Valais.
Participants will explore topics such as environmental biotechnology, energy, drug development, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and analytics. The format combines introductory lectures with collaborative work, giving students both scientific context and hands-on exposure to project development.
Professors and researchers from institutions affiliated with Biotechnet, including FHNW, ZHAW, HES-SO, MCI Innsbruck and the University of Palermo, will contribute to the programme.
From scientific ideas to project pitches
A distinctive part of the Summer School is its international group work.
Students will be divided into teams and invited to develop a research project or startup idea, before presenting it in a pitch format. This gives participants the opportunity to move from scientific knowledge to a more entrepreneurial way of thinking: identifying a problem, structuring an idea, and presenting it clearly.
For BioArk, this connection between science, entrepreneurship and applied development is particularly relevant. It reflects the kind of pathway that matters in life sciences: turning knowledge into projects, and projects into concrete development opportunities.
Strengthening links across the life sciences ecosystem
Beyond the scientific programme, the Summer School creates space for informal discussions between students, researchers, professors and ecosystem actors.
These moments are important. They help future scientists and entrepreneurs understand the environments in which biotech projects are developed, supported and industrialised. They also make the Swiss and European life sciences landscape more accessible to young talent.
By supporting this event, BioArk contributes to an initiative that connects education, research, entrepreneurship and regional ecosystem visibility.
Meet BioArk during the event
BioArk will be present with a stand during the Summer School.
Participants, researchers, entrepreneurs and partners are welcome to visit us on site to discuss the Valais life sciences ecosystem, available infrastructure, startup support and opportunities for collaboration in Switzerland.
We look forward to meeting participants in Sion and exchanging with the next generation of biotech talent.
Practical information
Event: Summer School on Advanced Biotechnology 2026 – 20th edition
Dates: 31 August to 3 September 2026
Location: Sion, Switzerland
Host: Institute of Life Sciences, HES-SO Valais-Wallis
➡️ Learn more about the event: https://www.hevs.ch/fr/events/summer-school-on-advanced-biotechnology-2026–20eme-edition-213266
