On June 16, BioArk Tech Park in Monthey welcomed around 120 representatives from the Canton of Valais for a discovery afternoon dedicated to innovation, education and life sciences.
Bringing together teams from the Office for Educational and Vocational Guidance (OSP) and the Service for Higher Education (SHE), the event provided an opportunity to explore the BioArk ecosystem and gain a better understanding of the organisations, infrastructures and expertise that contribute to innovation in Valais.
The afternoon opened with an introduction by Jean-Marc Tornare, Managing Director of the Monthey technology site, who presented BioArk’s mission and role within the regional innovation ecosystem.
Exploring Innovation in Practice
Throughout the afternoon, participants discovered how BioArk brings together startups, SMEs, research projects and academic partners within an environment designed to support collaboration and innovation.
Several resident companies and educational partners shared their activities and perspectives on the skills, technologies and professions shaping the future of the life sciences sector.
Three members of the DiverSsiTy team introduced My Magic Room, an immersive and interactive environment designed to support learning, stimulation and inclusion through sensory, educational and therapeutic experiences. Participants had the opportunity to test the solution and discover how digital technologies can be used to create adaptable environments for different users and learning contexts.
Sébastien Walpen, CEIDOS startup CEO, showcased C-NETICS, a real-time bioreactor monitoring solution that continuously measures cell viability and cell density without manual sampling. He also shared his entrepreneurial journey, offering participants insight into the development of a Life Sciences startup and the challenges of bringing a biotool closer to industrial and research applications.
BrainCore’s approach to personalised learning was presented by Jean-Mathieu Martin and Stéphane Coutaz. Their intervention showed how cognitive assessment and AI-supported analysis can help better understand how individuals process information, and how these insights can support education and professional training by adapting learning pathways to individual profiles, skills and needs.
Educational and training pathways were also highlighted through presentations from Campus EPTM – EPIC and HES-SO Valais-Wallis.
Representing Campus EPTM & EPIC, Fabrice Donnet-Monay presented vocational training programmes that support the life sciences industry, including pathways for chemical laboratory technicians, technologists and other technical professions essential to laboratory operations, production environments and quality processes.
Prof. Dr. Alexandre Kuhn, representing HES-SO Valais-Wallis, highlighted the institution’s Life Sciences programmes and the growing importance of hybrid skill sets. Particular attention was given to Digital Life Sciences, a field that combines biological sciences, health technologies, data and digital tools to address the evolving needs of the sector.
Together, these presentations provided participants with a practical overview of the organisations, skills and training pathways that contribute to the life sciences ecosystem in Valais.
From Startup Pitches to Laboratory Visits
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a visit to RegenLab, represented by Fabrice Vulliens, Production Director. An international medical device company specialised in regenerative medicine, RegenLab offered participants a behind-the-scenes look at its production and laboratory infrastructure at BioArk Tech Park.
The visit focused on CellularMatrix®, a ready-to-use autologous blood-derived matrix designed for regenerative applications. Participants discovered the different stages involved in production batch validation and observed quality control procedures carried out under cleanroom conditions. They also visited the facilities supporting the development and manufacture of regulated medical devices.
Founded in 2003, RegenLab has become an internationally recognised company through its commitment to innovation, quality and therapeutic solutions used worldwide.
These interactions provided participants with a tangible understanding of the technologies, expertise and professions that support innovation in the life sciences sector.
Connecting Skills, Research and Innovation
Beyond showcasing companies and facilities, the event gave participants a clearer understanding of the activities, expertise and career opportunities present within the Valais life sciences ecosystem.
BioArk warmly thanks all speakers, partners and participants for contributing to the success of this insightful afternoon.
➡️ Discover the BioArk Ecosystem
Interested in discovering the companies, laboratories and innovation projects hosted at BioArk Tech Park?
Explore the BioArk Monthey ecosystem and discover the organisations, facilities and expertise that contribute to life sciences innovation in Valais.
➡️ Photo Gallery
Browse the photo gallery from the event, by Aurélie Gasser (CimArk).
