Vancouver, British Columbia, August 19, 2025 -- ZenaTech, Inc. (“ZenaTech”), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces the formation of its new Quantum Computing Division. The new division will focus on development of R&D initiatives that harness the next generation of computing power to solve very complex challenges in modern defense and autonomous drone systems that can utilize ZenaDrone’s drone solutions.  

The US Department of Defense, along with other federal agencies, has called for advancements in quantum-resistant communications, post-quantum cybersecurity, and quantum sensing for drone navigation in GPS-denied environments to ensure US defence and aerospace superiority. In line with these priorities, ZenaTech’s Quantum Computing Division will focus on the development of both hardware and software quantum innovations for use cases such as encryption and secure communications for mission-critical operations, enhanced navigation without GPS, and AI drone fleet optimization for a variety of ISR (Inspection, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) defense applications.

“We believe quantum computing will be a defining force in the next era of defense and aerospace innovation,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “Establishing a Quantum Computing Division is a strategic investment in our future. By advancing cybersecurity, secure communications, next-generation navigation, and massive-scale data processing, we are preparing our drone platforms for the challenges of tomorrow and contributing to America’s global defense leadership.”

The current 12-person quantum team will grow to 20 by year-end consisting of a multidisciplinary team of AI and machine learning experts, quantum hardware researchers, computational scientists, and professionals in physics, computer science, engineering, and systems design.  

ZenaTech’s Quantum Computing Division will also further two existing Quantum R&D projects. The Sky Traffic project is focused on the use of AI-enabled drones and quantum computing to optimize traffic flows and support public safety for government applications. The Clear Sky project is focused on leveraging AI drone swarms and quantum computing to improve localized weather forecasts and extreme weather predictions, helping save lives and reduce economic losses.  

The ZenaDrone 1000 is a medium-sized VTOL platform drone capable of carrying up to 40 kg, featuring AI-enabled autonomy, secure communications via DroneNet, and rugged construction. Designed for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, it supports specialized cargo delivery, inspections, precision agriculture, and defense applications including ISR missions. The company has previously completed paid trials with the US Air Force and Navy Reserve and is developing a gas-powered variant for extended flight missions and border patrol.

Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-edge computer science, harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the capabilities of even the most powerful classical computers, processing massively complex mathematical problems and data at orders of magnitude faster speeds. Quantum computers can analyze vast and complex drone data more quickly and accurately, improving weather predictions and enhancing the ability to forecast extreme events.