AI robotics start-up Binabik settles in Winterthur

(CONNECT) The deep-tech start-up Binabik has chosen Winterthur as its founding location. Launched in January 2026, the company is a spin-off of the newly founded Center for Artificial Intelligence at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). The move to Technopark Winterthur was supported by the two location promoters Greater Zurich Area and House of Winterthur.

According to a press release, the proximity to the ZHAW and access to the Zurich technology ecosystem were decisive factors in the choice of location. "Winterthur offers the ideal combination of industrial tradition and technological innovation," CEO Jorgen Peña Queralta is quoted as saying. For Jakob Bächtold, Managing Director and Head of Business at House of Winterthur, the establishment of Binabik "underlines Winterthur's growing importance in the field of AI and robotics. The combination of ZHAW, Technopark and an active startup ecosystem creates an environment in which deep tech companies can not only arrive, but also grow."

Binabik is developing an agentic brain with the help of physical AI. This orchestration platform enables mobile humanoid robots to act situationally, interact with humans and complete tasks without the need for retraining. Binabik robots perform repetitive tasks such as sorting and loading. The start-up aims to counter the shortage of skilled workers in logistics and production and take the pressure off existing teams. The five-member founding team plans to grow to 15 people in the coming year. ce/mm