Paul-André Vogel and CimArk have innovation in their DNA
CleantechAlps is celebrating 15 years of commitment to sustainable innovation and cleantech in Western Switzerland. To mark this anniversary, the platform is launching the “15 Years – 15 Faces” initiative, showcasing inspiring individuals who actively contribute to the development of Switzerland’s cleantech ecosystem. . Among them, Paul-André Vogel, Director of CimArk and Board Member of the Ark Foundation, perfectly embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship support and networking that CleantechAlps promotes.
With over three decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs, Paul-André Vogel is a true expert in the Swiss business support ecosystem. His passion for the field remains undiminished. “What fascinates me is the diversity of people—it’s very often about meaningful human encounters” he says. His preferred territory, the canton of Valais, is full of visionary entrepreneurs in the field of clean technologies.
“It’s inspiring to see how these entrepreneurs are seeking solutions to some of our planet’s biggest challenges—such as climate change and moving away from fossil fuels,” explains Paul-André Vogel enthusiastically.
Event Smart Energy : a shared journey with CleantechAlps
The year 2025 marks not only the 15th anniversary of CleantechAlps, but also that of the Smart Energy Event, which has become a major rendezvous for players in Switzerland’s energy transition. “CleantechAlps, with its day-to-day activities and network, was the ideal partner for us to co-organize this event. 15 years later, we have no regrets about our choice,” says Paul-André Vogel.
The Event Smart Energy is much more than a traditional conference. “These events are like suspended moments, where entrepreneurs can meet as specialists, discuss their challenges, and—most importantly—find solutions together.” The Event Smart Energy also fosters international openness, with speakers from Norway, the United States, Austria, France, and beyond. “These talks broaden horizons and inspire participants.”
A remarkable evolution in the cleantech sector
Deeply engaged in the innovation ecosystem, Paul-André Vogel draws a positive picture of the sector’s evolution. “Fifteen years ago, when CleantechAlps was launched, clean technologies were still relatively unknown. Since then, they’ve seen impressive growth in Switzerland.”
Paul-André Vogel is optimistic about the strong presence of cleantech among Swiss startups. “It shows that our country has the capacity to solve complex climate-related problems. I also believe that CleantechAlps has played a key role in the rise of cleantech in Switzerland through its daily efforts to showcase regional expertise.”
Challenges and opportunities for cleantech actors
Despite progress, Paul-André Vogel acknowledges several remaining challenges, particularly around funding for new technologies or promising ideas. “ As in other sectors like biotech, convincing investors and mobilizing the necessary resources requiresconstant effort, and this often leads to delays in commercialization. “. He nevertheless points to encouraging success–stories, such as the Valais-based startup DePoly, which recently raised $23 million to scale up its plastic recycling technology toward industrial production. —a great reason to end on a high note !
Additional information: CimArk | For today’s pioneers, innovate and prosper with your business in Valais – the ark, Event Smart Energy – August 28-29, 2025
Paul-André Vogel’s favorite quote
“Imagination is more important than knowledge, because knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.”
– Albert Einstein
This famous quote by the physicist resonates strongly with Paul-André Vogel: “I love this quote because the emergence of ideas is at the heart of all progress. Imagination gives meaning to what we know.” For Paul-André Vogel, imagination is an essential driver of innovation. “It allows us to look beyond the obvious and inspires us to explore new ideas and create innovative concepts.”
More than just a motto, this quote guides his daily work.
A passionate professional at the crossroads of entrepreneurship and innovation
Versatile and deeply engaged, Paul-André Vogel is a recognized voice in the field of innovation support in Switzerland. Modest and discreet in the media, he prefers working directly with entrepreneurs over telling others what to do. A former partner of the CTI (now Innosuisse), Paul-André Vogel also serves on the jury for Switzerland’s Top 100 Startups.
He is involved in various innovation support initiatives such as platinn and has led CimArk SA—Valais’s innovation support agency—for over a decade. CimArk also hosts CleantechAlps, and part of its team delivers services for the platform, illustrating the perfect symbiosis between the two entities working together to drive sustainable innovation in Western Switzerland.
The 15-year anniversary concept
For the past 15 years, CleantechAlps has been committed to advancing its vision and connecting talents, stakeholders and solutions that drive the transition toward a more sustainable future in Western Switzerland. To mark this anniversary, we wish to highlight the individuals who bring our ecosystem to life every day — through their projects, their dedication and their vision.
“15 Years – 15 Faces” features fifteen personalities, fifteen journeys, fifteen voices that embody cleantech. From technology to policy, from research to industry, from local to international — these women and men are building, each in their own way, the cleantech solutions of today and tomorrow. Through their stories, we share with you the successes to which CleantechAlps has contributed — notably by serving as a facilitator of connections, dialogue, and collaboration. Discover their passion. Their inspiration. And their vision for a more sustainable future.
