The Valais is a well-established centre for industries based on fine chemistry, biotechnology and the commercial exploitation of alpine medicinal plants.

The canton is home to several multinational companies, specialist SMEs, and organisations conducting research in these fields, which place it in second position in Switzerland in terms of jobs created. It is therefore logical for these business sectors to be included in the canton’s economic development strategy.

The Ark Foundation draws together a network of academic and industrial expertise in order to consolidate (note: link to services) and develop life sciences within the local economy. It does so via two technology sites: BioArk and PhytoArk.

At Monthey, BioArk works mainly on :

• biotechnology
• regenerative medicine

At Sion-Conthey, PhytoArk is oriented mainly towards :

• plant extraction
• development of natural ingredients
• phytopharmacology, cosmetics, and nutrition and health