About PhytoArk
What is PhytoArk?
PhytoArk is a technology platform dedicated to innovation in natural ingredients. It supports startups, SMEs, researchers, and project leaders in developing innovative solutions, particularly in the fields of cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and the food industry, as well as in the emerging sectors of sustainable agriculture and food.
What is PhytoArk’s mission?
PhytoArk’s mission is to foster innovation, connect talent, and promote expertise. By bringing together infrastructure, expertise, and a network, PhytoArk helps transform ideas into concrete, sustainable solutions that deliver high value.
Where is PhytoArk located?
PhytoArk is located in Conthey, in the heart of Central Valais, Switzerland, at the following address: Route des Eterpys 22, 1964 Conthey.
Why is PhytoArk based in Valais?
The Valais region offers a particularly conducive environment for innovation in natural ingredients, the agri-food sector, and sustainable technologies. Its proximity to partners such as Agroscope, the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, and other local stakeholders fosters synergies between applied research, industrial development, and entrepreneurial innovation.
Who is PhytoArk for?
PhytoArk is intended for:
startups
SMEs
researchers
entrepreneurs
initiators of innovative projects
More broadly, PhytoArk supports all individuals and organizations that develop projects using natural raw materials or that seek to innovate in fields related to health, wellness, food, and the environment.
What types of projects are eligible for support?
PhytoArk provides support for projects related to:
natural ingredients
natural cosmetics
dietary supplements
food industry
herbal medicine (or phytotherapy)
sustainable agriculture
technologies applied to food and life sciences
Support and
services
What exactly does PhytoArk offer?
PhytoArk offers comprehensive support to help bring an innovative project to market, from concept to launch. This may include:
strategic guidance
product development support
access to technical infrastructure
connecting you with experts and specialized service providers
access to a network of academic, business, and institutional partners
Can PhytoArk help me if I’m only at the early stages of developing an idea?
Yes. PhytoArk supports projects at various stages of development, including those still in the ideation, proof-of-concept, or prototyping phases.
Can PhytoArk be used with an existing product?
Yes. If you already have a prototype, an ingredient, a formula, or an existing product, PhytoArk can help you test it, improve it, position it, prepare it for mass production, or bring it to market.
What types of services are offered?
Services may include:
market assessment
strategic positioning
definition of the business model
development of pilot products
proof of concept
connections with specialists
prototyping support
support for pre-industrialization
access to support and funding resources
Does PhytoArk offer personalized support?
Yes. Our support is tailored to the project’s stage of development, objectives, and specific needs.
Can you help me find the right experts?
Yes. PhytoArk connects project leaders with experts and service providers specializing in areas such as extraction, formulation, regulatory affairs, scientific validation, proof of concept, prototyping, and pre-industrial production.
Can PhytoArk help with marketing?
Yes. The support may include aspects related to the market, strategic positioning, and project valuation, in order to facilitate the transition from technical development to market launch.
How can I tell if my project falls within the scope of PhytoArk?
The easiest thing to do is to get in touch with the team. If your project involves natural ingredients, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, the food industry, or sustainable innovations related to living organisms, there’s a good chance that PhytoArk can guide or support you.
Facilities and equipment
What facilities are available on site?
PhytoArk has a 1,500-square-meter building, constructed in 2013, that houses various facilities dedicated to innovation, experimentation, and project development.
What types of equipment or platforms does PhytoArk offer?
The site includes, among other things:
a technology platform for plant extraction
a cosmetic formulation laboratory
a facility for the production and packaging of cosmetics
a startup space
access to offices, laboratories, production areas, or storage spaces as needed
What is the purpose of the extraction technology platform?
The extraction platform is dedicated to the development and production of natural ingredients for use in cosmetics, food, and nutraceuticals.
Who manages the extraction platform?
The platform is operated by Mediplant.
Does the facility have a cosmetic formulation laboratory?
Yes. PhytoArk has a cosmetic formulation laboratory operated by Phytosphere Swiss Lab, which enables the company to develop, test, and improve natural skincare formulas.
Are there any production or packaging facilities?
Yes. FOVAHM operates an ISO 22716-certified facility for the production and packaging of cosmetic products.
Is it possible to rent or use spaces for my project?
PhytoArk provides easy access to spaces tailored to the needs of project leaders, such as offices, laboratories, and production or storage areas.
Is there a space dedicated to startups?
Yes. A startup space is located within the building as part of The Ark Foundation’s incubation program.
Can I tour the facilities?
Yes. You can contact PhytoArk to arrange a site visit.
Can we reserve meeting rooms at PhytoArk?
Yes. There is a page dedicated to meting room reservations.
Community, partners, and network
Who is the PhytoArk community?
The PhytoArk community brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutes, industrial partners, experts, and economic and institutional actors.
Why join the PhytoArk community?
Being part of the community allows you to:
meet inspiring project leaders
access additional expertise
create lasting synergies
work in a stimulating environment that fosters innovation
What types of stakeholders make up this ecosystem?
These include, in particular:
companies in the natural ingredients sector
cosmetics industry players
food and beverage companies
specialists in dietary supplements
scientific partners
institutions that support economic development and innovation
Who are PhytoArk’s partners?
Some of PhytoArk’s partners include:
What is the connection between PhytoArk and The Ark?
PhytoArk is one of the technology sites of The Ark, the Foundation for Innovation in Valais. As such, PhytoArk benefits from strong ties to the Valais innovation ecosystem and easier access to the Foundation’s support programs and network.
Can companies hosted by PhytoArk take advantage of The Ark’s services?
Yes. Start-ups and innovative companies based at PhytoArk can take advantage of the services offered by The Ark and its network.
Is there a map or directory of the ecosystem?
Yes. The website will direct visitors to The Ark’s interactive “Valais Technologique” map, which features preselected filters for the food, cosmetics, and natural ingredients sectors.
Directions,
Tour, and Contact
How do I get to PhytoArk?
PhytoArk is located at Route des Eterpys 22, 1964 Conthey, Switzerland.
Are there parking spaces?
Yes. Parking spaces are available on the east side of the building.
Is it possible to visit the site before starting a project?
Yes. Visitors can contact PhytoArk to schedule a visit and tour the facilities.
Is PhytoArk close to other key players?
Yes. The site benefits from a strategic proximity to several key partners, including Agroscope and the HES-SO Valais-Wallis.
How can I contact PhytoArk?
You can contact PhytoArk:
by phone at +41 58 332 21 44
by email to info@phytoark.ch
via the website’s contact form
Can I contact PhytoArk just to ask for some information?
Yes. You don’t need to have a fully developed project. Feel free to reach out to ask a question, request a consultation, or find out if we can help you with your idea.