The new Valais-based innovation cluster for energy transition, EnovArk, has been officially launched. Its primary objective is to serve as a testing platform by providing a network of expertise in targeted areas.
EnovArk is the new innovation cluster for energy transition, the result of a collaboration between energy company OIKEN and The Ark Foundation. Officially launched in April 2022, its main objective is to serve as a testing ground to address the challenges of the energy transition by providing a network of expertise.
EnovArk will bring together citizens, municipalities and economic stakeholders so that they can quickly identify their needs and better prepare for the new energy transition. The innovation cluster, which is open to the entire canton of Valais, will be able to count on OIKEN’s seed fund to accelerate the development of solutions and models that will enable the energy transition to be implemented.
A new addition to the Energpyolis campus
“This new innovation center will expand the technology park created by The Ark Foundation in 2004, and will serve as a laboratory for the 24 municipalities in the region, offering them concrete solutions related to the energy transition,” explained François Fellay, CEO of OIKEN.
Initially, EnovArk will be housed on The Ark Foundation’s premises at the Energypolis Campus. Eventually, a dedicated building may be built to house new projects.
Upon launch, EnovArk will be able to rely on the skills and network of The Ark Foundation as well as on the seed fund provided by OIKEN in 2020. Several projects are already underway. Among them, GB-Flex enables real-time management of a balance group while enhancing flexibility, and WattAnyWhere designs off-grid charging stations.
"This new innovation center will expand the technology park created by The Ark Foundation in 2004, and will serve as a laboratory for the 24 municipalities in the region, offering them concrete solutions related to the energy transition".
Source : Greater Geneva Bern area