In a major step forward for AI in CNC machining, ETH Zürich spin-off Manukai has secured $3 million (CHF 2.645 million) in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round. The startup is building a patent-pending AI solution designed to transform how manufacturers program high-precision metal machining tools. Long considered one of the most manual, time-intensive processes in the industrial sector.
The round was led by Swiss deep tech investor QBIT Capital. With participation from Bloomhaus Ventures, Innosuisse, and several angel investors. Manukai plans to use the fresh capital to fast-track product development and bring its AI-based software closer to market readiness. The company has already started working with industry leaders like Bosch, signaling strong traction within the manufacturing ecosystem.
Founded in December 2023 by AI engineers Pascal Weber and Daniel Wälchli. Manukai is taking a radically different approach to CNC programming. The startup is developing AI tools that integrate directly with existing CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software to reduce programming time, optimize machining strategies, and protect proprietary data. A critical factor for privacy-conscious manufacturers.
“Our vision is to become the leading AI technology company for manufacturing,” said Weber, Manukai’s CEO and Co-Founder. “We unlock the value of historical production data while ensuring privacy and seamless integration with existing workflows.”
In 2023, metal machine setters ranked among the top five most in-demand occupations in Europe. Underscoring the growing pressure on manufacturers to automate programming tasks. Rising geopolitical tensions, shifting supply chains, and energy price volatility are all accelerating the urgency to digitize core operations. Especially in CNC machining, where efficiency can make or break margins.
Traditional CNC programming is a manual, knowledge-heavy process that relies on skilled workers. Manukai’s software captures and centralizes institutional knowledge, enabling engineers to reuse and refine past strategies instead of starting from scratch every time. The AI works on-premises and respects strict privacy boundaries. Giving manufacturers full control over their proprietary data while still benefiting from automation.
Rather than trying to replace CNC programmers, Manukai’s tools enhance their capabilities. “Our algorithms work within the client’s secure environment to make historical insights usable,” Weber said. “We amplify human experience by making it easier to access and apply proven programming methods—while ensuring intellectual property is never compromised.”
Manukai’s founding team brings together deep expertise in both artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Weber and Wälchli hold doctorates from ETH Zürich and Harvard University and are mentored by Torbjørn Netland, a professor at ETH Zürich and Co-Founder of Ethon AI. That academic depth has helped the startup design a solution that is not only innovative but practical and deployment-ready.
The company’s early traction and mission have caught the attention of major European investors focused on advanced tech.
“Manukai is a perfect example of how AI can unlock real-world efficiency gains from legacy data,” said Georges Khneysser, Founder and General Partner at QBIT Capital. “Switzerland’s industrial heritage and Zürich’s AI ecosystem make this a globally significant opportunity.”
Pascal Stürchler, Co-Founder and CEO at Bloomhaus Ventures, echoed the sentiment: “Manukai is tackling one of the most urgent pain points in manufacturing. Their AI-powered software eliminates inefficiencies and delivers a scalable solution that can work across industries. We’re excited to back a team that’s capable of driving real transformation in the sector.”
With a data-driven, privacy-first approach, strong industry partnerships, and support from top-tier investors, Manukai is positioning itself to become a category-defining company in the future of AI-powered CNC machining.
