Zuri News & Events

Zuri is entering a pivotal chapter. With development of our hybrid electric VTOL aircraft accelerating, we spoke with the leadership team to explore what makes this moment different and why it matters.

CEO Michal Illich, CTO Predrag Kovačević, Chief Engineer Tomáš Kapoun, and CMO Robert Demmer share how Zuri is advancing real-world aviation. With more than 700 kilometers of range, SAF-compatible propulsion, and every department working side by side in Prague, Zuri is moving with purpose and precision.

“This is not about chasing trends. It’s about building something real that flies and lasts.”
Michal Illich, CEO

The full interview covers engineering breakthroughs, brand clarity, team structure, and what success looks like over the next year. Whether you are following Advanced Air Mobility or shaping its future, this conversation offers a rare inside view.

Read the full interview to see where Zuri is headed and why we are just getting started.

From April 9 to 12, Zuri Hybrid VTOL made a powerful impression at AERO Friedrichshafen 2025, Europe’s leading general aviation event. With over 32,000 visitors and 760 exhibitors in attendance, the energy on the floor was electric. Zuri stood out by offering more than just a vision. We gave attendees a hands-on experience of what regional air mobility can and should become.

At our booth, we went beyond the usual displays. Attendees got to experience sustainable flight through an immersive VR simulator and a full-scale ground testbed with spinning propellers and LED lighting that brought our hybrid propulsion system to life. We had some fantastic conversations with pilots, suppliers, operators, investors, and aviation enthusiasts, connecting with people from across the aviation community.

Watch the Video: Zuri at AERO Friedrichshafen

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Zuri’s booth, hear insights from the floor, and learn about our exciting plans for the future of regional air mobility.

Zuri, a leading developer of hybrid VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, has announced the successful closing of a €3 million investment in its recently concluded pre-Series A funding round. Initially targeted at €1.5 million, the round was oversubscribed nearly threefold, ultimately raising €4.4 million. 

The investment has already been received and registered in the Commercial Register, marking a significant milestone in Zuri’s mission to redefine Advanced Regional Air Mobility with sustainable, innovative flight solutions.

“This remarkable level of support from our investors reinforces Zuri’s mission and momentum,” said Michal Illich, Founder of Zuri. “With the funds raised, we can now confidently accelerate the next stage of our development - building our next-generation technology demonstrator, TD 2.0.”

Hover + Roll + Pitch Tests were Successful!

Join us as we celebrate a groundbreaking moment in drone technology. Watch as we achieve our first flight milestone with our next-gen VTOL drone. Witness successful hover, roll, and pitch tests as we pave the way for efficient forward flight. Stay tuned for more updates as we push the boundaries of aerial innovation

In November 2023, Zuri participated in the Dubai Airshow, one of the world's leading aerospace events, alongside more than 1,400 exhibitors. As part of the official Czech delegation, Zuri was among a select group of top aerospace companies, presenting alongside the Commander of the Czech Air Force and the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.

Zuri stood out as the only exhibitor offering an augmented reality (AR) tour of its hybrid-electric five-seat VTOL aircraft, demonstrating the future of advanced air mobility. The strong market interest in Zuri Hybrid VTOL was highlighted by its feature on page one of the Dubai Airshow’s official trade publication.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this milestone possible!