Our History

13 years from idea to concept.
2 years from concept to reality

2004-2012

The founder and chief engineer of Copra, Maxim Chizhov from Odesa, began his journey by creating audio systems for himself and his friends — guided purely by curiosity and passion for sound.

Later, he entered I. I. Mechnikov Odesa National University, majoring in Theoretical Physics, where his technical foundation took shape.

During his studies, he completed the first two commissioned acoustic projects.

The first full-scale system was built at the age of 17 (2005)

2nd project - built-in 5.1 speakers (2010)

During the same period, two key ideas emerged — the ionic acoustic system project and “acoustics from coconut”, which quickly attracted investor interest. This marked the formation of the team and the arrival of the first partner — electronics engineer Alexander Korzun.

Acoustic testing of one of the first Waveion ionic acoustic prototypes.
Amphiton Design Bureau, Anechoic Room, Lviv (2011)

Alexander Korzun is the firm's chief electronic engineer, partner (2012)

Over a decade of research and development was dedicated to the Waveion ionic loudspeaker system.
During this time, the first patents and working prototypes were created.

Research Institute of Plasma Physics, I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University (2011)

As a result of graduate studies, a thesis titled “Stable Generation of Sound Waves in a Weakly Ionized Gas Medium” explored and mathematically described a new physical phenomenon — the ability to make air pulsate without any visible processes.
This intangible sound source, known as an acoustic monopole, requires no enclosure, making it an ideal wide-range loudspeaker.

One of the earliest prototypes of the ion-acoustic system.
Research Institute of Plasma Physics, I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University (2011).

2013-2017

The ion loudspeaker system remained in the development stage due to an unexpected physical limitation encountered during the path to commercialization.

Today, highly specialized engineers continue to develop this technology.

A functional prototype of the Waveion system was showcased at two major exhibitions in the United States.

CES 2017

After CES 2017 we discussed with our partners the further development of the company.

After the team gained recognition and professional expertise, the idea of using coconut endocarp received serious attention and support — leading to the creation of the Hydra system, and with it, the founding of Copra Acoustic.

The first MVP of the Hydra system (2017)

2018-2020

Between 2017 and 2019, the amplifier electronics were upgraded and the small series production technology was perfected.

An updated Waveion prototype was prepared for IFA 2019.

A key milestone for the company was the relocation to its first production facility — a 150 m² workshop.

Working environment in one of our premises in Odesa (2018)

The hidden part of the ionic speaker system (2018)

Work in progress on one of the first Hydra enclosures (2018)

Polymer-concrete reinforced casing developed by our team (2019)

Power-supply transformers capable of delivering up to 8 kW of power (2019)

Electromagnetic safety testing of the system (2019)

Collaboration with a colleague on an ionic loudspeaker element (2019)

Participation in IFA 2019

Between 2019 and 2021, we organized numerous private presentations for sound engineers, musicians, designers, and dealers across Ukraine.

As a result of 2019, Copra Acoustic LLC was established. Following the exhibitions, we began receiving orders for Hydra systems, initially serving only the domestic Ukrainian market.

In 2020, after several trial purchases of coconuts from India and other Asian countries, Max Chyzhov personally traveled to Sri Lanka to find a reliable supplier.

That same year, custom Hydra systems were commissioned — featuring unique paintwork, branding, and monochrome finishes in black and white.

The year 2021 was marked by several major milestones — including the relocation to a new 550 m² facility.
Our new working environment looked like this:

The electronics, fully developed from scratch, deserve special recognition.

All internal circuit modes and signal-processing logic were designed and implemented by Alexander Korzun, Copra’s partner and electronic engineer.

Using advanced PWM controllers and transistors with ultra-low distortion (as low as 0.001%), Alexander managed to increase the operating voltage to ±90V, significantly expanding the dynamic range and improving sound purity.
He also developed a hybrid amplification technology that combines pulse-width and frequency modulation with deep feedback, resulting in exceptionally powerful and transparent signal amplification — the technological foundation of Copra.

Another milestone was completing a government-funded acceleration program, which provided the team with their first structured business training and entrepreneurial knowledge.

After completing the ISE program, the project was recognized by representatives of the UNIT School of Business.

Following this program, we received a $50,000 grant from the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) to support the company’s development. Among 17 winners, our project earned 2nd place according to the expert jury.

At the end of 2021, we were granted the honor of representing our products in the Ukrainian Pavilion at Dubai EXPO 2020.

EXPO2020

2021-2023

By the end of 2021, we identified a region with an endemic coconut variety ideally suited for crafting speaker enclosures, and received the first batches from our partner factory.