MINTworld is the result of a collaboration between Lonza and the Department of Economy and Education (DEF) of the Canton of Valais. The aim of this discovery and innovation center in Visp is to raise awareness among compulsory school pupils and young people of innovation in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT). This initiative is part of a proactive response to the challenges of digitalization and the growing need for qualified professionals in Valais.

Faced with the current shortage of talent, the State of Valais and Lonza are joining forces to offer a practical learning space for compulsory school pupils, young people from the Valais, and other groups such as people undergoing vocational retraining. The BioArk in Visp is home to this innovative center, designed to stimulate the interest of students and young people in the MINT skills (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology) that are essential to the competitiveness of the Valais economy.

Generating and sustaining interest through hands-on workshops and experiments

MINTworld, which opens in spring 2023, is aimed primarily at compulsory schoolchildren and their teachers. Designed to accommodate classes of all levels, MINTworld is a tool made available to teachers to enable them to put into practice and deepen the subjects of the Plan d’Etudes Romand (PER) and Lehrplan 21 studied at school, in real-life conditions, in laboratories and rooms called “Makerspaces” benefiting from state-of-the-art equipment.

The aim is to awaken and maintain interest in MINT subjects by asking real-life questions and approaching them in a different way, using hands-on workshops and learning through experimentation. In the MINTworld area, teachers are assisted by Lonza trainers specially trained for this project, who carry out the various modules with groups of visitors.

Building bridges between industry and education

MINTworld aims to bring industrial players, such as Lonza, closer to basic education in order to promote MINT professions and showcase the career opportunities that exist in these fields in the Valais.

As a complementary measure to meet the challenges of the skilled labor shortage, this space is a concrete example of public-private partnership, with investment co-financed and operating costs managed by the private sector.

Innovation showcase

MINTworld is a canton-wide project designed to showcase innovation in the Valais. It serves research, education and the economy.

Nearly 2,500 students from all over the canton have already benefited from this new space. The long-term aim is to open it up to a wider public.

Your next rendez-vous to discover the MINTworld

The next InnoVibes, organized by The Ark Foundation will take place at MINTworld on January 25 (conference in German).

Know more

• Discover the Canal 9 report on the MINTworld space (FRENCH)
• Discover the SFR report on the MINT world space (GERMAN)
• Watch a demo video here of the MINTworld

Source : press release
Photo credit : pomona.media