A new episode of Radio Chablais’ Plan Large podcast, hosted by journalist Florian Barbey, takes listeners behind the scenes at BioArk Monthey — a key hub for life sciences innovation in Valais. This edition features two voices shaping tomorrow’s biotech: Jean‑Marc Tornare, Site Manager of Monthey, and Chloé Albietz, co‑founder of the start‑up Bioscibex, recently welcomed into the BioArk community.

The BioArk environment in focus

In the interview, Jean‑Marc Tornare describes BioArk Monthey as more than a technology site — it’s a collaborative ecosystem designed to help biotech entrepreneurs transform ideas into tangible products. Through specialized infrastructure, close mentoring, and strong regional networks, BioArk supports the transition from early‑stage R&D to industrial application, making it a cornerstone for biopharmaceutical and digital‑health ventures in Valais.

Bioscibex: simplifying bioproduction

A highlight of the episode is Bioscibex, a spin‑off from EPFL supported by the Ark  Foundation’s incubator program. Co‑founder Chloé Albietz explains how the company is developing an innovative bioreactor that streamlines biological drug production. What once required seven complex operations can now be done in just two — cutting costs, minimizing contamination risks, and improving process reliability. With proof‑of‑concept achieved and three prototypes built, Bioscibex is preparing pilot trials with pharmaceutical partners ahead of commercialization.

Scaling up at BioArk Monthey

Having joined the BioArk Monthey site, Bioscibex is now entering its industrialization phase. The start‑up is expanding its team, raising new funding, and setting up demonstration systems. Integration within the BioArk  and  The Ark networks offers a fertile ground for accelerating technical validation and business growth — a prime example of how the Valais life‑sciences ecosystem fosters innovation from lab to market.

Listen to the full episode (in French) :

Source: Radio Chablais, Plan Large podcast