CNC machining remains at the heart of high-precision manufacturing, yet programming these machines is still a time-consuming manual task. As the demand for skilled CNC operators outpaces supply—metal machine setters ranked among Europe’s top five most in-demand jobs in 2023—manufacturers face growing pressure to modernize. Add to this rising geopolitical uncertainty, increased production costs, and the global push toward regional supply chains, and the need for automation becomes urgent.
Manukai, a Zurich-based AI startup spun out of ETH. The company has raised $3 million (CHF 2.645 million) in an oversubscribed pre-seed round. Led by QBIT Capital with support from Bloomhaus Ventures, Innosuisse, and several strategic angel investors, the funding will accelerate the development of Manukai’s AI-powered CNC programming platform.
This early-stage funding marks a crucial step in Manukai’s mission to reshape CNC machining with AI-driven automation. Already collaborating with industrial leaders like Bosch, the startup plans to use the capital to further refine its proprietary software and bring it closer to full-scale deployment.
Manukai’s Data-Driven CNC AI Approach
Founded in December 2023 by AI engineers Pascal Weber and Daniel Wälchli, Manukai blends advanced machine learning with the deep domain expertise of its team. Both co-founders hold PhDs from ETH Zürich and Harvard University, and their technical direction is supported by Professor Torbjørn Netland—also the Co-Founder of Ethon AI and a leading expert in intelligent manufacturing.
Manukai’s solution seamlessly integrates into existing CNC programming environments, offering a non-disruptive path to modernization. What makes the software stand out is its ability to centralize historical knowledge, streamline programming workflows, and deliver efficiency gains—all while meeting strict data privacy and IP protection standards.
Unlike black-box AI models that attempt to replace human input, Manukai’s system enhances the work of CNC programmers by making it easier to access and reuse previous programming strategies. This empowers teams to produce better outcomes faster—without replacing their experience or judgment.
“Our vision is to become the leading AI technology provider for manufacturing,” says CEO Pascal Weber. “By unlocking the hidden value in decades of manufacturing data, we help our clients boost productivity and efficiency—without compromising data security.”
Closing the Skills Gap with AI-First CNC Programming
Manukai’s core innovation lies in its ability to automate and optimize CNC programming using AI and machine learning. The software not only reduces setup times but also helps manufacturers overcome the widening skills gap across the industrial workforce.
The startup’s patent-pending technology enables on-premise deployment, ensuring manufacturers can process sensitive data in secure environments while benefiting from real-time AI assistance. This edge-focused approach keeps control firmly in the hands of the client while delivering modern automation capabilities.
“Rather than replace skilled workers, our AI platform amplifies their capabilities,” Weber adds. “We’re creating tools that make expert knowledge easier to access, reapply, and scale—turning tribal knowledge into shared, repeatable success.”
Industry-Backed Vision for Scalable Smart Manufacturing
Backers believe Manukai’s AI-enhanced CNC automation could reshape the future of metalworking and precision manufacturing.
“Manukai shows how AI can transform legacy systems into future-ready solutions,” says Georges Khneysser, Founder and General Partner at QBIT Capital. “With Zurich’s thriving AI ecosystem and Switzerland’s industrial depth, Manukai is positioned to lead the next chapter of global manufacturing innovation.”
Pascal Stürchler, CEO of Bloomhaus Ventures, agrees. “Manukai is tackling one of the manufacturing industry’s most persistent bottlenecks. Their AI-first, industry-agnostic platform has the potential to significantly boost efficiency across sectors. Backed by a technically strong founding team, they’re on track to deliver long-term impact.”
As manufacturing continues to digitize, Manukai’s blend of AI innovation and deep industry insight positions it as a pioneer in AI-driven CNC programming. With fresh funding, strong partners, and a bold vision, the company is accelerating toward a smarter, more efficient future for global manufacturing.
