InnoMedica’s own Nanofactory in Marly is an important success factor for the company and a clear commitment to Fribourg and Switzerland as a production location.

The Marly Innovation Center (MIC) is home to an impressive number of ambitious life sciences projects. With 7,000 m² of secure fine chemicals laboratories and customized clean rooms, not to mention flexible leasing options, the MIC is attracting cutting-edge firms and energizing the Fribourg ecosystem.

Its tenants include InnoMedica, which specializes in the development of nanomedical therapies to treat cancer and Parkinson’s disease. As Stéfan Halbherr, Head of Research & Development, explains, “Our goal is to transform the way we treat these diseases by developing more precise and less invasive drug delivery technologies. Our hope is that directly targeting diseased cells will not only boost the efficacy of the treatment but also keep dosages and side-effects to a minimum, which should in turn improve the patient’s quality of life.” The InnoMedica approach constitutes a major medical breakthrough and could be very good news for people living with cancer and Parkinson’s.

Another life sciences firm based at the MIC is Seprify, a University of Fribourg and Cambridge University spin-out, which has developed a healthier and eco-friendlier cellulose-based, white pigment to replace titanium dioxide in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics applications. Another green chemistry champion is Bloom Biorenewables, which uses lignin to create sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products. This pioneering process opens countless opportunities for more sustainable plastics and fuel applications and could help eradicate our dependency on fossil fuels, one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

1,000-job mark

One of the Marly Innovation Center’s earliest tenants is the iPrint Institute, which specializes in 3D printing of stem cells and other biomedical materials. Its works with academic and industrial partners are leading to major innovations in the field of regenerative medicine. The work carried out by medical analysis specialist Promed sheds light on advances in disease screening and detection. Their new analysis processes promise to improve diagnostic accuracy, a welcome development for public healthcare providers. Last but not least, the HT Group specializes in planning solutions for facilities, such as operating theaters, which are subject to the most stringent hygiene standards. Its expertise guarantees safe and efficient work environments for healthcare professionals.

According to Mathieu Piller, Director of the MIC, “The flexibility, diversity, complementarity, synergies and value chains that make up the DNA of the Marly Innovation Center” are the qualities that make the center such an attractive business and research location. With more than 170 companies already based there, the number of people working out of the MIC is set to exceed the 1,000 mark by 2025.