Manukai with oversubscribed USD 3 million pre-seed

Manual CNC programming is a thing of the past - Manukai uses data-supported AI to improve processes, protect expertise and reduce the workload of skilled workers.

Zurich, March 27, 2025 - The ETH spin-off Manukai has raised 3 million US dollars in an oversubscribed pre-seed financing round. This investment marks a real milestone in Manukai's journey to develop proprietary AI models that harness the potential of data in manufacturing. The startup has already convinced partners such as Bosch. The funds will flow into product development to make CNC machining more efficient.

AI-supported optimization for CNC production

High-precision metal parts are essential for manufacturing, but CNC machines still have to be programmed manually. The shortage of skilled workers is exacerbating this problem - in Europe alone, metalworkers were among the five most sought-after professions in 2023. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, rising prices and the relocation of supply chains are putting additional pressure on the industry.

Our algorithms use customer data in their secure environment, keeping intellectual property protected. Instead of replacing human knowledge, we augment it by facilitating access to previous programming strategies.

Pascal Weber, CEO and co-founder of Manukai

Founded in December 2023, Manukai is developing an AI-powered solution that overcomes these challenges. A major obstacle to the introduction of AI in CNC manufacturing is strict data protection requirements and established workflows. Manukai's patented technology enables companies to use their historical data locally and securely. The software integrates seamlessly with existing CNC programming tools and improves efficiency without disrupting workflows.

Funding for market launch

The USD 3 million (CHF 2.645 million) funding round was led by QBIT Capital, with participation from Bloomhaus Ventures, Innosuisse and several business angels. The funds will be used to further develop Manukai's AI technology and bring it to market.

With Switzerland's unique industrial expertise and the leading AI ecosystem in Zurich, Manukai has the potential to play a key global role in the manufacturing industry.

Georges Khneysser, Founder and General Partner of QBIT Capital

Pascal Stürchler, Co-Founder and CEO of Bloomhaus Ventures, adds: "Manukai is solving one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing with a breakthrough AI technology. By eliminating key inefficiencies, they are increasing the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturers worldwide."

AI team with ETH background

Manukai was founded by Pascal Weber and Daniel Wälchli, both PhD experts from the Computational Science and Engineering Lab (CSElab) at ETH Zurich and Harvard University. They are supported by Torbjørn Netland, co-founder of Ethon AI and Professor of Production and Operations Management at ETH Zurich.

Nicolas Vetsch joins the team as a new co-founder. He brings extensive experience in scaling companies and in the areas of marketing and sales. "Our vision is to become the leading AI technology provider for the manufacturing industry," says Pascal Weber. "By harnessing the potential of the vast amounts of data in manufacturing, we help our customers to significantly increase their production efficiency."