Presse release – Visp, Switzerland, March 22, 2024 – In March 2023, MINTworld, a platform dedicated to discovery and innovation, was inaugurated in Visp. In a public-private partnership, the canton of Valais, BioArk Viège AG and Lonza are committed to promoting the enjoyment of technology and science within the community, and to creating a platform for discovery and learning in these exciting fields. MINTworld offers students a playful approach to mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT). At the end of the first year of operation, the initiators have drawn a very positive balance sheet.

Since its launch in the spring of last year, MINTworld has welcomed over 4,000 visitors, and 2,500 people have taken the opportunity to immerse themselves in various MINT workshops. Over 70% of these visitors were school classes, who were able to take a closer look at specific aspects of the school curriculum. The remaining visitors came to MINTworld as part of public leisure activities and further training courses.

While in the pilot phase the focus was on pupils from the Upper Valais, since autumn 2023 classes from the French-speaking Valais region have also had access to a French-language offer in Visp, realized in collaboration with the HES-SO Valais-Wallis. Visitor feedback is unanimous: 87% said they would like to visit other “MINTworlds”, and almost 75% said they would visit MINTworld again in their spare time. Teachers also appreciate this extracurricular learning environment and recommend MINTworld to their colleagues. In addition, three quarters of the teachers questioned would like to pursue further training in these areas.

• Renzo Cicillini, Managing Director of Lonza Visp, comments: “We are proud to contribute to strengthening Valais as a business location through MINTworld. In view of new technologies, it is important for Lonza to maintain the employability of its employees, or improve it where necessary. And MINTworld also enables us to take a long-term approach to the training challenges facing people from Switzerland and abroad wishing to retrain.“
• Sandro Steiner, Deputy Head of the Education Department: “This unique project enables the content of both the LP21 and PER curricula to be studied in depth in specially equipped laboratories and classrooms. Through hands-on workshops and experiential learning, participants enjoy an innovative educational experience. MINTworld, as a public-private partnership, also represents a successful example of our canton’s innovative dynamism.“
• Stefanie Zimmermann, President of BioArk Visp, adds: “Highly motivated, professional and committed employees have always been one of the main reasons why industry has developed in Valais, and generates around a quarter of the canton’s added value. With MINTworld, we are helping to ensure that we can enthuse enough young talent in the future and continue to hold our own against international competition.“

About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of healthcare products. Working on five continents, our global community of around 18,000 colleagues helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology and nutrition companies bring their treatments to market. United by our vision of bringing all therapies to life, we support our customers with a combination of technological knowledge, world-class manufacturing, scientific expertise, process excellence and innovation. Our work enables our customers to develop and commercialize their therapeutic discoveries, enabling their patients to benefit from life-saving or life-enhancing treatments. To meet the complex needs of our customers, our business is organized around four divisions: Biologics, Small Molecules, Cell & Gene and Capsules & Health Ingredients. Our company achieved sales of 6.7 billion Swiss francs, with a CORE EBITDA of 2.0 billion Swiss francs for the year 2023. For more information, visit www.lonza.com.

About the Department of Economic Affairs and Education (DEF)
The Department of Economy and Training (DEF) was created on May 1, 2017 to create synergies between two key sectors for the canton. It is headed by Christophe Darbellay. It comprises nine departments including, in particular, education, vocational training and higher education. One of the DEF’s priorities is to train the employees of today and tomorrow, so that they can play an active part in the development of Valais. The department is committed to offering high-quality training, with a strong emphasis on mathematics, languages and IT. The Valais education system aims to provide equal opportunities for all students, while promoting research and innovation to enhance the competitiveness of the Valais economy. For more information, visit www.vs.ch.

About BioArk
BioArk is the result of a strategic collaboration between the municipality of Visp and The Ark, the cantonal foundation for innovation. As an integral part of the Valais Innovation Park, the BioArk in Visp is home to nearly 10,000 m2 of innovative companies in the life sciences sector, as well as a range of activities linked to the training and development of skilled workers. With the recent addition of MINTworld, the value chain for new talent extends from awareness-raising to vocational training and further education, helping to support companies in their competitiveness. On a national and international level, BioArk Visp, in collaboration with BioArk Monthey, supports the development and promotion of the Valais life sciences region. For more information, visit www.bioark.ch.

About MINTworld
MINTworld is a public-private partnership between Lonza, the canton of Valais and BioArk Visp AG, which aims to enthuse schoolchildren, young people and adults about mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT). Covering an area of 1000 m2, the Visp discovery and experience platform offers innovative premises and state-of-the-art equipment, enabling a wide range of creative, everyday ideas to be experienced interactively. MINTworld offers school courses and leisure workshops in the above disciplines. From the first curiosity of young explorers to the successful research of a Bachelor’s thesis, everything is possible, enhanced by an atmosphere that inspires enthusiasm for MINT disciplines. To find out more, visit www.mintworld.ch