Switzerland has confirmed its status as a global biotech power. But beyond the impressive national figures, the regional ecosystem in Valais is also thriving, following the example of its two emblematic locations in Viège and Monthey. Our region is asserting its position as an indispensable ecosystem in the Swiss life sciences value chain.
The Swiss Biotech Report 2026, published to mark Home – Swiss Biotech Day in Basel by the Swiss Biotech Association, paints a particularly enthusiastic picture of the Swiss biotech industry. The 2025 figures speak for themselves:
- Record revenue of CHF 7.5 billion (+4.2% compared with 2024)
- CHF 2.5 billion invested in R&D, confirming the sector’s fundamental commitment to innovation
- CHF 2.6 billion raised in funding (+2.1% compared with 2024), including a historic record for private companies of CHF 1.15 billion (+38%)
- Over 21,000 jobs in the biotech sector (8,758 in the private and 12,637 in the public sector)
These indicators reflect an industry that has reached full maturity, capable of withstanding the turbulence of global financial markets while continuing to innovate, recruit and grow. Switzerland has clearly positioned itself as one of the most competitive biotech centres in the world, alongside the major US and European clusters.
Valais : a strategic regional contributor
While the report offers a national vision, the reality is also – and above all – being built at the regional level. In this respect, Valais is a particularly telling example of a regional ecosystem which, by capitalising on its unique strengths, is making a significant contribution to the success of the Swiss biotech sector.
At the heart of this ecosystem stands BioArk, the life sciences technology park with locations in Monthey and Viège. An incubator and accelerator for companies in the sector, BioArk offers innovative start-ups and SMEs a unique environment, with high-quality laboratory infrastructure, a network of mentors and experts, support at every stage of their development and proximity to the region’s key academic and industrial players.
Today, BioArk is a community of companies working in areas as varied as biotech, medtech and fine chemistry – all sectors that resonate perfectly with the Swiss Biotech Report 2026.
HES-SO Valais/Wallis : the driving force of applied research
Valais can also count on an extensive network of manufacturing companies (Lonza, ten23 health, Debiopharm, ExcellGene, TRB Chemedica, etc.) and innovative start-ups. But in addition, the canton is supported by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) Valais-Wallis, whose fields of study and research institutes constitute a talent pool and valuable academic partner for companies in the sector. Here, collaboration between applied research and industry is a tangible reality, reflected in innovative projects, technology transfers and graduates who are well equipped to work immediately in companies in the ecosystem.
Institutional support
The active presence of Economic Promotion Valais at Swiss Biotech Day in Basel, notably through the Office of Economy, Tourism and Innovation (OETI), illustrates the canton’s commitment to strengthening its positioning in life sciences, particularly in the areas of bioproduction, pharmaceutical development, applied research and transfer to industry.
What makes the Valais ecosystem especially robust is its ability to integrate into wider networks. Moreover, the Swiss Biotech Report 2026 emphasises the increasing importance of regional ecosystems in Switzerland’s overall competitiveness. Against this background, Valais is well equipped for continuing to play a leading role.
The Swiss Biotech Report 2026 confirms that Switzerland remains an exceptional nation for biotech. And Valais is contributing to the national momentum as one of the building blocks of a shared enterprise. From quality infrastructure to high-performance applied research, a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and strong institutional support, all the ingredients for a flagship regional cluster are in place.
Download the Swiss Biotech Report 2026 here :
https://www.swissbiotech.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SwissBiotech_Report_2026.pdf
