Winduction raises CHF 1.15M to move wireless charging into real-world testing
17.02.2026
ETH Zurich spin-off Winduction is taking electric vehicle charging off the grid and onto the road. The startup is developing a wireless charging system that delivers power directly from the road to vehicle wheels, with an initial focus on buses in public transport. With a PostAuto demonstrator underway, Winduction has secured CHF 1.15 million in pre-seed funding to advance system validation and vehicle integration.
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Founded in November 2024, Winduction aims to address infrastructure challenges as public transport operators accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleets. The startup’s technology enables energy transfer between road-embedded charging elements and wheel-embedded receivers. For fleet operators, this means buses can charge at regular stops or terminals, without cables, visible infrastructure, or downtime. By shifting charging into regular service hours, Winduction, a Venture Kick winner, allows operators to reduce battery size, avoid mid-day vehicle swaps, and lower peak grid loads, ultimately increasing fleet uptime and reducing energy and infrastructure costs.
Winduction’s system targets fleets with high daily utilization, defined routes, and predictable operational stops, such as buses, delivery vehicles, or ground service equipment in logistics hubs, ports, and airports. As these fleets move toward automation, wireless charging infrastructure will become increasingly relevant, providing energy without human interaction.
The startup has validated its concept with over 20 fleet operators and completed a feasibility study on a public bus line in Zurich. It is now building its first vehicle-integrated demonstrator in a PostAuto bus, in collaboration with Thomann Nutzfahrzeuge. Development will continue through 2027, aiming for a first pilot on a public bus line in 2028. This pilot will test the system under real-world conditions and serve as a foundation for future commercial deployments.
The pre-seed funding of CHF 1.15 million will support the construction of the bus demonstrator, enable testing under operational conditions, and strengthen Winduction’s intellectual property portfolio, setting the stage for next-phase development and public transport integration.
Winduction’s system targets fleets with high daily utilization, defined routes, and predictable operational stops, such as buses, delivery vehicles, or ground service equipment in logistics hubs, ports, and airports. As these fleets move toward automation, wireless charging infrastructure will become increasingly relevant, providing energy without human interaction.
The startup has validated its concept with over 20 fleet operators and completed a feasibility study on a public bus line in Zurich. It is now building its first vehicle-integrated demonstrator in a PostAuto bus, in collaboration with Thomann Nutzfahrzeuge. Development will continue through 2027, aiming for a first pilot on a public bus line in 2028. This pilot will test the system under real-world conditions and serve as a foundation for future commercial deployments.
The pre-seed funding of CHF 1.15 million will support the construction of the bus demonstrator, enable testing under operational conditions, and strengthen Winduction’s intellectual property portfolio, setting the stage for next-phase development and public transport integration.