Zibra AI, a Ukrainian deep-tech company, has introduced a new product for the film industry called ZibraVDB. This innovative technology enables real-time processing of large visual effects (VFX), offering a solution to challenges that have long hindered the industry. Serhii Tokarev, co-founder of Roosh, announced this breakthrough on LinkedIn, showcasing Ukraine’s increasing influence in global deep-tech innovation.
In virtual production, creating realistic VFX is a complex process that often leads to significant delays. Traditional methods rely on sequential frame processing, which is inefficient and slow due to data transfer and storage limitations. ZibraVDB solves this by compressing visual effects up to 100 times, instantly decompressing them during rendering.
Serhii Tokarev explained that this new technology will allow filmmakers and production studios to bring their creative visions to life faster than ever before. “I am proud that it is Ukrainian developers who are driving this kind of innovation in virtual production. ZibraVDB proves that Ukraine is at the forefront of deep-tech development, even in times of great challenge,” said Tokarev.
ZibraVDB is set to revolutionize how VFX studios work, offering flexibility and efficiency across various types of hardware. While traditional VFX processes typically require expensive, specialized equipment, ZibraVDB can run on any hardware. This democratizes access to advanced VFX technology, benefiting large studios and small indie teams alike.
Serhii Tokarev emphasized that the product lowers the cost of working with 3D visual effects, making it more affordable for small studios. At the same time, ZibraVDB’s customization options allow larger production houses to tailor the technology to meet their specific needs, enhancing creative freedom.
ZibraVDB integrates seamlessly with popular industry tools like Unreal Engine and Houdini, allowing developers to incorporate the product into their current workflows without major changes. This ease of integration ensures that ZibraVDB can be used in real-time environments, speeding up production without sacrificing performance.
Looking ahead, the team at Zibra AI plans to optimize the technology for PS5-class GPUs and expand support for gaming consoles, ensuring that ZibraVDB remains future-proof as the entertainment industry evolves.
ZibraVDB’s pricing model caters to both large studios and smaller teams. The Studio Plan is aimed at companies with over $250,000 in revenue or $1 million in funding. This plan supports Unreal Engine and Houdini, offering flexible pricing options, including subscription or per-project rates. There are also custom pricing models for render-only nodes with offline licensing.
For indie developers or smaller teams, the Individual Plan offers a more affordable option. This plan is designed for those with revenue below $250,000, with a subscription priced at $29 per month or $299 annually.
ZibraVDB for Houdini, which was introduced during the Houdini HIVE Event in September 2024, is currently in Alpha Test mode and available for free with pre-approval. The product includes advanced features like volume compression and real-time decompression, making it a valuable tool for studios working with Houdini.
Founded in 2021, Zibra AI is part of the Roosh investment group co-founded by Serhii Tokarev. The company focuses on developing AI-driven products for creative industries and has already garnered international attention. It has received an EpicMega Grant from Epic Games and recognition from the Unity developer community for its innovative solutions.