The Ark, the Foundation for promoting innovation in the Valais, embodies the strategy developed by the local authorities of the Valais to develop a proper technology park in the canton. The special feature of this park is that it is multi-site (there are six technology sites) and specialises in three areas of technology, one of which is engineering sciences.

In addition, a special programme devoted to energy, known as The Ark Energy, has been launched. Its main aim is to increase the number and quality of the innovation projects related to energy and energy efficiency.

CleantechAlps is the platform dedicated to the development of the clean technology sector in western Switzerland. The region’s gateway to clean technology, its aim is to bring together all the research institutes, industries and services that play a part in protecting and conserving natural resources and in producing different forms of renewable energy.

CleantechAlps is not only the force driving intercantonal activity to develop the sector, it is also western Switzerland’s co-ordinator for the activities of the national export platform, “Cleantech Switzerland”.