Valais is not defined by the largest concentration of corporate headquarters or venture capital in Switzerland. Its clearest strength lies elsewhere: the connection between scientific development, engineering, specialised infrastructure and Life Sciences manufacturing.
For Life Sciences companies that need to move from a technical concept towards reliable operation, this manufacturing-oriented environment provides a distinctive basis for development, scale-up and expansion.
A long industrial trajectory
The industrial development of Valais began with energy-intensive chemistry and evolved through fine chemicals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology and advanced biomanufacturing.
This history has created capabilities that are difficult to build quickly: process engineering, industrial operations, quality, safety, specialised supply chains and a workforce familiar with demanding production environments.
Connected locations, complementary capabilities
Monthey combines industrial chemistry, biotechnology, startup development and pre-industrialisation infrastructure. Visp and Raron connect specialised companies with one of Switzerland’s most significant biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.. Sion and Martigny contribute applied research, clinical innovation, engineering and digital capabilities.
The value of these locations lies in their complementarity. Companies can identify different capabilities within one regional ecosystem instead of treating research, engineering and production as disconnected environments.
Research, talent and industry working together
Applied research in Valais is closely connected to the needs of companies and public institutions. In 2025, HES-SO Valais-Wallis generated approximately CHF 55 million in research and development activity through its partnerships.
This figure covers the institution’s different fields, not Life Sciences alone. Its significance lies in the operating model it reflects: research teams address practical challenges, companies contribute to the development of skills, and applied projects support technology transfer and qualified employment.
In Life Sciences, this connection is visible in capabilities spanning bioprocesses, process analytics, molecular diagnostics, peptide and protein technologies, cell culture and digital health. The long-term partnership between HES-SO Valais-Wallis and Lonza, covering areas such as biotechnology process automation, digitalisation, specialised training and recruitment, provides a concrete example.
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EPFL Valais Wallis contributes research across chemical sciences, engineering and health, while clinical and translational expertise is present through Hôpital du Valais and related structures. Vocational, specialist and continuing education complete this base.
Together, these relationships help companies access not only research expertise, but also the technical talent and industrial understanding required to move towards scale-up and reliable operation.
A coordinated entry point
BioArk makes this environment easier to approach. It connects the Life Sciences specialisation of the canton with The Ark Foundation’s innovation framework, CimArk’s operational support and a network of companies, research institutions and public partners.
For an organisation evaluating Valais, the relevant question is not whether every capability is located in one place. It is whether the ecosystem can provide the combination of infrastructure, expertise and development conditions required for the next stage.
