We’re here for you.

This is what we offer business founders:

Personalised backing

you’re unique, and your entrepreneurial venture is too! Our business coaches use a custom approach to guide you, getting your project on the right track. Business model, business plan, proof of concept, intellectual property, building your first client base, choosing your business structure, and more: working with you, we cover all these topics and help you see them through.

Dynamic ecosystem

events, short training courses and business hook-ups help you become an integral part of a buzzing entrepreneur community. Together, we create powerful synergies that take your project forward to new horizons.

Fully equipped premises

you benefit from special access to our state-of-the-art technology park, testing, prototyping and validating your idea in fully equipped premises (some with test labs) on sites that are home to many other businesses.

Help with finance

to grow, every start-up needs funds. Our close ties with financial partners open the door to unrivalled funding opportunities.

Start-ups currently backed by The Ark Foundation

Regularly featured among the Top 100 Swiss start-ups

The start-ups backed by The Ark Foundation regularly make the Top 100 Swiss tech start-ups organised by IFJ and Venturelab. The Canton of Valais is regularly ranked fourth or fifth nationwide as having the most promising start-ups. The fact that The Ark start-ups feature in this highly respected ranking is proof positive of the quality of the backing provided by The Ark and our partners. 

 

If you too want to get your enterprise project off the ground and feature one day in the Top 100 Swiss start-ups, get in touch! 


Top 100 start-ups in 2023 and 2024:  

Just some of our success stories since 2004

gadia

based at BioArk in Monthey, successfully markets a dozen life-saving diagnostic tests.
monthey
2019
www.gadia.ch

depoly

is revolutionising plastics recycling. This spin-off from EPFL Valais Wallis is one of Switzerland’s highest-profile young companies.

sion
2020
www.depoly.co

imperix

was the first start-up to take up residence on the Energypolis Campus. This power electronics company employed more than 30 people at the start of 2024 and markets products in 42 countries.

sion
2013
www.imperix.com

keylemon

was born out of a research programme at HES-SO Valais-Wallis and the Idiap Research Institute. It grew steadily on the back of its facial recognition software until it was purchased by AMS, a leading supplier of Apple (2018).
martigny
2008

logival

developed Mediway, Western Switzerland’s first electronic medical records system. The company continues to grow at the Swiss Digital Center in Sierre, where it employs around 20 people.
sierre
2007
www.mediway.ch

lugaia

develops new packaging products for the biotech and pharma industries. It employs more than 30 people. A spin-off of HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Lugaia markets its technology all over the world.
raron
2006
www.lugaia.ch

mecatis

a mechanical engineering firm that came out of HE-Arc and marketed the Micro5 five-axis milling machine. The company was acquired by CHIRON Group (2022) and continues to grow.
isérables
2007
www.chiron-group.com

pharmalp

successfully markets several ranges of natural healthcare products. Its products are available in Switzerland and a number of other countries.
conthey
2012
www.pharmalp.ch

travelise

an innovative travel agent that specialises in surprise travel and fully embraces digital technology. 

sion
2016
www.travelise.ch

Handbook for Entrepreneurs

“There is no single entrepreneur character type. But you need character to be an entrepreneur.” This quote from Peter Drucker is a good illustration of the challenge facing young entrepreneurs.
For several years now, the Handbook for Entrepreneurs, published by The Ark, has inspired entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. The fourth edition provides even more practical advice on entrepreneurship. And who knows, it might convince you too to embark on your challenging but exciting entrepreneurial adventure!
discover the handbook

Take the plunge and give your new venture a kick-start towards a brilliant future.

Thinking of creating a start-up? Need advice? Contact Sébastien Mabillard today 

incubateur@theark.ch
the Ark foundation | Rue de l'Industrie 23 - 1950 Sion
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