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Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ZenaTech's (Nasdaq: ZENA) DaaS Model, Strategic Acquisitions Drive 92% Revenue Growth in Q1
The commercial and military drone sectors are entering a high-growth phase, driven by rapid tech innovation and expanding use across industries. The global commercial drone market hit $30.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 10.6% CAGR through 2030, per Grand View Research. Meanwhile, military drone spending is expected to more than double from $24.25 billion in 2025 to $56.69 billion by 2033, growing at 11.2% CAGR, according to Straits Research. With drones transforming agriculture, logistics, public safety, and defense, investors are scanning the skies for breakout players. ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) is an AI-driven drone and software company that is making strategic moves that position it as a rising force in this rapidly evolving sector. Diversified Drone Applications Fuel Growth ZenaTech has built a multi-vertical drone business through its subsidiary ZenaDrone, with solutions tailored for agriculture, infrastructure inspection, inventory management, public safety, and defense. The company's AI-powered drones — including the ZenaDrone 1000 and its IQ Nano and IQ Square models — serve both indoor and outdoor use cases, enabling everything from 3D mapping and barcode scanning to power line inspections and real-time surveillance. A key differentiator is ZenaTech's embrace of a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. Much like SaaS platforms or ride-hailing services, the company enables clients to access drones on a subscription or pay-per-use basis — no hardware purchases, pilots, or maintenance required. This recurring-revenue model lowers adoption barriers while providing scalable upside across multiple sectors and geographies. Poised to Capture Agricultural Sector Growth in Europe In early May, ZenaTech announced the opening of its European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, a strategic move that places it near critical logistics infrastructure and opens access to high-growth EU markets. Europe's agricultural drone market is projected to grow from $4.6 billion in 2023 to over $43 billion by 2032, a staggering 28.6% CAGR. Farmers across the continent are adopting drone technologies for seeding, spraying, monitoring, and data collection. ZenaTech is targeting this growth with specialized DaaS offerings for precision agriculture, renewable energy, and construction. According to CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D., 'our AI-powered drone solutions are designed to boost crop yields while reducing operational costs and provide smart, data-driven insights.' With favorable regulatory tailwinds and a continental focus on sustainability, ZenaTech is well-positioned to benefit from rising demand in this space. Launching Drone-Based Cleaning Services in Dubai One of the company's most strategically significant initiatives is its recent expansion into Dubai, where it is launching a drone-based exterior building cleaning service. Leveraging the IQ Square, a large-format drone equipped with tethered water and power lines, ZenaTech aims to tap into a fast-growing niche. Dubai's high-rise skyline, frequent sandstorms, and mandated cleaning standards create a natural use case for drone-enabled washing services. The global drone cleaning market is expected to triple from $4.36 billion in 2023 to $13.2 billion by 2030. As a first mover in this region, ZenaTech is looking to establish an early foothold in an emerging sector of urban infrastructure management. Advancing Defense and Proprietary Innovation ZenaTech is also developing its presence in defense, with its IQ Nano drone swarms designed for autonomous surveillance, RFID and barcode scanning, and battlefield logistics. These lightweight drones, available in compact 10x10 and 20x20-inch formats, are being tested for military and commercial use and are in the process of obtaining Blue UAS certification, enabling sales to U.S. government agencies. Vertical integration is another strength. Through its Taiwan-based Spider Vision Sensors subsidiary, ZenaTech has developed proprietary cameras that align with U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance requirements. Internal control over hardware development supports faster iteration and greater cost control across its product lines. Revenue Growth and Aggressive Scaling ZenaTech reported $1.13 million in Q1 2025 revenue, a 92% year-over-year increase. Much of this momentum stems from the DaaS segment, bolstered by a disciplined acquisition strategy. Recent purchases include Oregon's Weddle Surveying and Florida's KJM Land Surveying, both of which enhance its geospatial data and infrastructure services. In the enterprise software space, ZenaTech also acquired UK-based Othership, a SaaS workplace platform. The company has opened a drone testing facility in Turkey and expanded hiring in the UAE, Taiwan, and the United States to support R&D and manufacturing needs. While operating expenses rose meaningfully in the quarter, the company has signaled a long-term growth focus. Management also noted it is evaluating over 20 potential acquisitions within the next year, underscoring its ambitions to scale rapidly through both organic and inorganic strategies. Bottom Line As the global drone market accelerates, ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) is carving out a role as a nimble and diversified competitor. Its DaaS model enables recurring revenue and ease of customer adoption, while its international expansion, particularly into Europe and Dubai, offers near-term growth catalysts. With a strong product pipeline, proprietary innovations, strategic acquisitions, and accelerating revenue, ZenaTech may offer investors an intriguing early-stage opportunity in the broader drone Contact Company Name: RazorPitch Contact Person: Mark McKelvie Email: Send Email City: NAPLES State: Florida Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: ZenaTech's (Nasdaq: ZENA) DaaS Model, Strategic Acquisitions Drive 92% Revenue Growth in Q1
Toronto Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
How a Toronto tech company is fusing AI with drones to change how we view the world
Heads up — drone technology is about to reshape your world. Though many are familiar with its gimmickier applications — aerial cameras, light shows — advancements in artificial intelligence and drone hardware are creating new uses that can save time, money and lives. 'I like to think of this as the post-World War II change in our society, where people went from growing our food and the bargaining system to where we are today,' says Shaun Passley, CEO of Toronto-based AI drone maker ZenaTech. 'That's now going to change dramatically into a different phase — something more sci-fi.' Founded in 2018, ZenaTech works with Fortune 500 companies deploying drones for tasks like indoor barcode tracking, military applications, emergency services for search and rescue, catching criminals and surveillance, farmers for precision agriculture and livestock management, municipalities for targeted aerial firefighting, and developers for land surveying and building inspection. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Measuring seven by 13 feet, the company's latest product, the ZenaDrone 1000, is its largest, most powerful and most intelligent product yet, offering longer flight times and a carrying capacity of up to 40 kilograms. 'The first two production drones are off the production line, they're being tested, and we'll have another 10 coming out in April, and then we'll be doing a minimum of 10 drones per month,' Passley says. 'We're hoping to start doing demos for the U.S. Defense Department, with NATO, with Canada's Defence Department, with Canadian law enforcement, and with law enforcement around the world.' The Chicago-born entrepreneur says he began toying with tech as a youngster after his brother was gifted an Apple II computer that appealed more to the younger sibling. 'I knew who Steve Jobs was when I was eight,' Passley says. Business L'Oréal Canada CEO on how the 'lipstick effect' drives the 'essential' beauty business 'Sometimes people look at beauty as a little bit superficial,' says L'Oréal Canada CEO An Passley started working as a computer technician in high school, while saving for his first venture. Unlike his tech industry heroes like Jobs, Bill Gates, Michael Dell and Larry Ellison, who all dropped out of college, Passley went in the opposite direction. After earning a bachelor of science degree and a master's in information technology, Passley completed a one-year MBA, a masters in product development, a PhD in business leadership and a masters in intellectual property law. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The Star spoke with Passley from the head office of ZenaDrone, ZenaTech's subsidiary in Phoenix, Arizona, about how drones are poised to revolutionize a range of industries and services, how it can help save time, money, and lives, and why he isn't concerned about tariffs — or an American invasion. How did you go from making software for teachers to making drones for the military? When I founded Epazz in 1999, colleges didn't have a lot of services online yet. Now you can easily register for classes, download the syllabus, upload your work, but those things weren't taking place. So, we created a course tool, and eventually a campus portal for colleges. The issue is it took me a year to develop it, and in 2000 the industry crashed; there was no capital, so there were no staff; it was just me. The good thing is I ended up with 100 per cent ownership, so I changed the campus portal into a business portal and was able to get a few clients and use the capital to acquire other companies. Business The long journey for a kid in the ball pit to top job at Ikea Canada Ikea Canada CEO and chief sustainability officer Selwyn Crittendon, says he was attracted to the I started to build Epazz through the acquisition of about 15 companies over the next 10 years. Then in 2017 we developed ZenaPay as a spinoff of Epazz. This was right before Canada legalized cannabis, and we created a software package that would facilitate transactions using a bitcoin wallet. As we talked to customers, we learned they were concerned about black market cannabis entering the Canadian market, and they wanted a way to track products from seed to store. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW We had a facial recognition software package that identifies key elements of a person's face, and we wanted to use the same concept on plants. The initial idea was to use the program to distinguish between male and female hemp plants, and we went to Ireland in 2019 to test it. The problem was we were using a third-party drone, which didn't have the sensors to adjust for Ireland's unique terrain. Where I grew up in Illinois the land is completely flat, but in Ireland they grow plants on the sides of mountains and in valleys, and it was raining multiple times a day. In addition, there's a lot of work that goes into learning how to fly a commercial drone, so it wasn't something a farmer could do on their own. That's where we came up with the concept for a drone that can scan different terrain and adjust automatically, without a human operator. Why start the company in Toronto? That had to do with the cannabis industry. Business 'It still blows me away.' Meet the accidental developer leading the charge of Toronto's massive city-within-a-city at Downsview With 400 acres to work with, Northcrest Developments CEO Derek Goring is 'excited about its Epazz was a public company, which means it's federally regulated, and cannabis is still illegal in the United States at the federal level, so we moved the entity to Canada. We have offices in the United States and around the world, but ZenaTech is registered and headquartered in Canada. We have 10 people in our Toronto head office and another small office in Vancouver, and we expect to hire another 20 or 30 in Canada in the next 12 months. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW How many employees do you have total? Over 100 in Canada, the United States, Ireland, Germany, Turkey, Taiwan, the UAE, and soon in India. We're hiring a lot more this year. What makes your drones unique? DJI is the primary competitor, and what they've done is brilliant in terms of software integration, but they're using a frame system with four motors that essentially hovers and moves like a helicopter. Ours is more of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system that transitions into a fixed-wing plane, and we can add more attachments, more cargo, and you can switch out sensors, so it's got a lot of potential applications. What are some of the primary applications? We have a drone that's 10 inches by 10 inches, the IQ Nano, used primarily for surveillance. Then we have one that's 20 by 20, and that's mostly for indoor inventory. We can use multiple drones at the same time indoors to do inventory faster, and what makes our system unique is that people can be present. Normally if you're doing drone inventory you need to shut down that section of the facility, but we have object avoidance sensors that let you operate as normal. And if one drone is low on battery it will fly back to the home station and another one will replace it and continue scanning. Then we have our ZenaDrone IQ Square, which is 41-by-41 inches, and that's mostly used for land surveys. Right now, land surveys are done with just a person and a stick and maybe a camera system, and it can take weeks or even months, so we can save customers thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW We're also in the initial stages of using the technology for housing developments, so that our drones can generate construction progress reports, and even go indoors and create 3D maps of properties as they're being built. Using artificial intelligence, it could even do building inspection in the early stages of development. Then the ZenaDrone 1000, the production version is seven feet by 13 feet. It can scan farmland to determine which areas need to be treated and treat those areas. Business How a high-tech vertical farm in Ontario could help reduce our need for U.S. produce With indoor farms for leafy greens near Guelph, Montreal, Calgary and Halifax, GoodLeaf CEO Andy And right now, when you see a helicopter in an urban setting, hopefully in the next five years you'll see a drone instead, whether it's in law enforcement, conducting search and rescue operations transporting medical supplies, or putting out building or wildfires, which is one of our top use cases right now. Why's that? Right now, they're using airplanes and helicopters and basically eyeballing it. They fly low and slow over a wildfire, which is very dangerous, and we are working on a Drone swarm of 200 ZenaDrone 1000s that can carry as much water as a $35 million airplane for a fraction of the cost, can get lower to the ground and use sensors to target the hottest spots. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW What do you say to those who think this technology should not be used in law enforcement or military contexts? In the United States and Canada, I believe we defend our countries responsibly, and if drones replace humans so that they're not in the line of fire, we can save a life on our side. That makes war less harmful to our countries, and we're only working with NATO-allied countries. Business Bill Gates opens up about his obsessive tendencies, dropping acid — and his three-hour dinner with Donald Trump Gates's new memoir tells the story of a curious, intense child. 'At the time nobody was taking The same with police officers; if we can replace front line officers in dangerous situations with unmanned drones you can prevent the loss of life for police officers. We can also equip drones with less lethal ways of apprehending suspects and potentially save their lives as well. Many Canadians would say the two countries aren't as aligned as they used to be and may even fear military action across the border. The notion of Canada becoming the 51st state won't happen. It would be like adding another California and giving the Democrats tremendous political influence. We're non-partisan, personally and as a company, but I don't see this as a real threat or a long-term issue. What about tariffs? Has that created a challenge? We see ourselves as a helicopter replacement solution; a helicopter costs $5 million, and our ZenaDrone 1000 is $150,000 to $200,000. If you add another 25 per cent onto that — or 50 per cent, or 200 per cent — we're still saving our customers a tremendous amount of money.
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ZenaTech Closes Miller Land Surveying Corporation, a Third Southeast Acquisition and a Fourth Nationally for the Drone as Service (DaaS) Rollout
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) ('ZenaTech'), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces the closing of its acquisition of Miller Land Surveying Corporation ('Miller') of Lake Worth, Florida, a land survey and mapping company with a 40 year history and deep portfolio of business customers in the Palm Beach County area of South Florida. This is ZenaTech's third acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for their speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also furthers the Company's national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business rollout as the fourth US acquisition. 'Miller Land Surveying brings a wealth of experience and customer relationships as a second-generation company known across Palm Beach County for quality land surveys and mapping. Their pioneering team is well suited to helping us bring drone innovation to premium residential and business land surveys. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy business verticals and manual tasks,' said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. ZenaTech's DaaS business will incorporate the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series of multifunction autonomous drones to provide a variety of service solutions from land surveys to power line inspections or power washing, made accessible and cost effective through an Uber-like business model on a regular subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving superior results, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or precision farming applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves. The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training. Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. According to the global drone surveying market is poised for substantial growth and is expected to be worth over USD $8 billion globally by 2030. This market is expanding at a CAGR of 15-20%, driven by increasing demand from industries such as construction, agriculture, and infrastructure development. About ZenaTech ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company specializing in AI drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions for mission-critical business applications. Since 2017, the Company has leveraged its software development expertise and grown its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone, to innovate and improve customer inspection, monitoring, safety, security, compliance, and surveying processes. With enterprise software customers using branded solutions in law enforcement, health, government, and industrial sectors, and drones being implemented in these plus agriculture, defense, and logistics sectors, ZenaTech's portfolio of solutions helps drive exceptional operational efficiencies, accuracy, and cost savings. The Company operates through seven global offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and UAE, and is growing a DaaS business model and global partner network. About ZenaDrone ZenaDrone, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures autonomous business drone solutions that can incorporate machine learning software, AI, predictive modeling, Quantum Computing, and other software and hardware innovations. Created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector, its specialization has grown to multifunctional drone solutions for industrial surveillance, monitoring, inspection, tracking, process automation and defense applications. Currently, the ZenaDrone 1000 drone is used for crop management applications in agriculture and critical field cargo applications in the defense sector, the IQ Nano indoor drone is used for inventory management and security in the warehouse and logistics sectors, and the IQ Square is an indoor/outdoor drone designed for land survey and inspections use in commercial and defense sectors. Contacts for more information: Company, Investors and Media: Linda Montgomery ZenaTech 312-241-1415 [email protected] Investors: Michael Mason Safe Harbor This press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc. include 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects management's expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech's growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as 'may', 'will', 'should', 'expect', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'aim', 'seek', 'is/are likely to', 'believe', 'estimate', 'predict', 'potential', 'continue' or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to ZenaTech's expectations regarding its revenue, expenses, production, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations with respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech's ability to deliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone products including ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ Nano; ZenaTech's anticipated cash needs and it's needs for additional financing; ZenaTech's intention to grow the business and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to future operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market conditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic, environmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in emerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire key personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive and business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech's expected business objectives for the next twelve months; ZenaTech's ability to obtain additional funds through the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market share; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the target markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital, including through the listing of its securities in various jurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent infringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments affecting the business of ZenaTech.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
2025's Drone Innovators: The Companies Shaping the Future of Flight
Drones have come a long way from being fancy gadgets for hobbyists. Today, they're revolutionizing industries like agriculture, logistics, defense, and emergency response. The global drone market is already a $30 billion powerhouse, and it's growing at a solid 10.6% annually. With AI, advanced automation, and innovative models like Drone as a Service (DaaS), the potential is massive. A handful of companies are stepping up with cutting-edge tech, big contracts, and bold visions for the future. These players aren't just keeping pace with the industry—they're shaping its trajectory. Let's take a closer look at some of the key innovators driving this high-flying sector. ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) is a technology company specializing in AI-powered drones and innovative solutions for defense, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure. With a strong focus on military applications and a unique Drone as a Service (DaaS) model, ZenaTech is carving out a significant role in the rapidly growing drone industry. The company's drones are already being tested by the U.S. Air Force and Navy for critical tasks like transporting medical supplies in the field. ZenaTech is also working toward Blue UAS certification, which would allow the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase their drones directly. This is a major opportunity, as the global military drone market is expected to grow from $14 billion in 2023 to $47 billion by 2032. ZenaTech's DaaS model is another key differentiator. Instead of selling drones outright, the company offers them as a service, making drone technology more accessible to businesses and governments. For example, ZenaTech is using drones to improve border security in Florida, where they can monitor coastlines and assist in search-and-rescue operations. This approach not only opens up new revenue streams but also makes drones more affordable for a wider range of customers. The company is also investing in advanced technology, including AI for improved drone performance and DroneNet, a proprietary communication system that allows drones to operate in areas without internet or cellular service. This is especially important for military missions where reliable communication is critical. ZenaTech is even exploring the use of quantum computing to enhance applications like weather forecasting and traffic management, which could give them a competitive edge in the future. With manufacturing facilities in the UAE and Arizona, ZenaTech is well-positioned to scale up production. Their latest drone, the ZenaDrone 1000, is designed for heavy lifting and long flight times, making it ideal for both military and commercial use. The company plans to produce at least ten drones per month starting in 2025, demonstrating their commitment to meeting growing demand. ZenaTech's (Nasdaq: ZENA) focus on defense contracts, innovative business models, and advanced technology makes it a standout in the drone sector. If the company can execute its plans—especially securing military certifications—it could see growth in the coming years. For investors looking to capitalize on the drone industry, ZENA is a stock worth watching. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, serving defense, government, and commercial markets. With a strong focus on cutting-edge drone technology and autonomous systems, the company has cemented its position as a key player in the rapidly growing drone sector. In February 2025, AeroVironment secured a $288 million delivery order as part of a $990 million contract with the U.S. Army for its Switchblade loitering munition systems. This contract highlights the company's critical role in providing advanced, precision-strike capabilities to the military. The Switchblade system, known for its extended range and multi-domain operations, is a testament to AeroVironment's ability to deliver mission-critical solutions. The company also announced the establishment of FreedomWerx, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. This expansion is part of AeroVironment's distributed production strategy, designed to enhance supply chain resilience and meet growing demand for its autonomous systems. The facility is expected to create over 500 high-paying jobs and further solidify the company's manufacturing capabilities. AeroVironment continues to push the boundaries of drone technology with the launch of the JUMP 20-X, a next-generation Group 3 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) designed for maritime operations. Unveiled at the 2025 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX), the JUMP 20-X offers unmatched versatility, endurance, and precision. With a 13-hour flight endurance, modular payload capacity, and AI-powered autonomy, the system is poised to revolutionize maritime and expeditionary missions. AeroVironment's growth is driven by its strong defense contracts, technological leadership, and strategic investments. As demand for autonomous systems continues to rise, the company is well-positioned to deliver sustained growth and shareholder value, making it a compelling choice for investors in the drone sector. EHang (Nasdaq: EH) is a global leader in urban air mobility (UAM), pioneering autonomous, eco-friendly aerial vehicles that are reshaping transportation. Its flagship product, the EH216-S, is the world's first fully certified pilotless eVTOL aircraft, approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This certification underscores EHang's technological leadership and positions it at the forefront of the UAM industry. In 2024, EHang delivered record-breaking results, with fourth-quarter revenues reaching RMB162 million, a 20% increase over guidance and a 187% year-over-year jump. This growth was driven by strong demand for the EH216-S, which has become a cornerstone of the company's strategy. The aircraft made its debut flight in downtown Shanghai in January 2025, marking a major milestone toward commercial air taxi operations in one of the world's largest cities. The flight, conducted at Longhua Airport, showcased the EH216-S's capabilities in urban environments and set the stage for future commercial routes in the Yangtze River Delta region. EHang is also building the infrastructure to support its vision. The company launched the Luohu UAM Exhibition Center in Shenzhen, featuring the world's first fully automated vertiport for the EH216-S. This facility, with its vertical lift platform and integrated hangar, represents a leap forward in eVTOL operations, reducing costs and optimizing space usage. Strategic partnerships with JAC Motors and Guoxian Holdings further solidify EHang's position in the low-altitude economy. The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art eVTOL manufacturing base in Hefei, combining EHang's cutting-edge technology with JAC Motors' automotive expertise to scale production and meet growing demand. With its first-mover advantage, regulatory milestones, and expanding infrastructure, EHang is well-positioned to capitalize on the booming low-altitude economy, projected to exceed RMB50 billion in Shanghai alone by 2027. For investors, EHang represents a high-growth opportunity in a transformative industry. AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN: UAVS) is a growing force in the drone sector, specializing in full-stack unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors, and software solutions for commercial and government applications. Originally focused on agriculture, AgEagle has expanded into energy, construction, and defense verticals, delivering innovative drone technology that addresses critical industry needs. In 2025, the company achieved significant milestones, including a successful demonstration of its eBee VISION ISR platform for the U.S. Department of Defense, showcasing its capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. AgEagle also secured a $3.4 million order from the French Army—its largest single order to date—and announced that its eBee drones are the most used fixed-wing drones by U.S. commercial operators, based on FAA registration data. The company further strengthened its global presence at the XPONENTIAL Europe trade show, where its products were featured by major partners like Rheinmetall and Dronivo. Recently, AgEagle completed a milestone order of 60 RedEdge-P Multispectral Sensors, its largest sensor sale ever, highlighting its operational efficiency and market demand. With a focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding global footprint, AgEagle is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing UAS market, making it a compelling opportunity for investors. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. 'RazorPitch' is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by ZenaTech Ltd. to assist in the production and distribution of content related to ZENA. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Media Contact Email: Send Email City: NAPLES State: Florida Country: United States
Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ZenaTech's (Nasdaq: ZENA) Latest Move Could Bolster Drone-as-a-Service Network, Eyes $8 Billion Border Security Market
From agriculture to disaster response, industries are increasingly turning to drones to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and tackle challenges in ways traditional methods cannot. However, the high upfront costs, regulatory hurdles, and technical expertise required have made drone adoption inaccessible for many businesses. ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) is changing the game with its Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, offering AI-powered drones on a flexible, subscription-based platform. By removing barriers to entry, ZENA is empowering sectors like farming, logistics, and emergency management to harness the power of drone technology. ZenaTech's Drone-as-a-Service: Flexibility Meets Innovation When it comes to disruptive technologies, drones are no longer just a futuristic concept—they're here, and they're transforming industries. ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA), a technology company specializing in AI-driven drone solutions, is positioning itself as a key player in this space with its Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) business model. By offering flexible, subscription-based drone solutions, ZenaTech is addressing the needs of businesses in various sectors while positioning itself as a potential contender in the growing drone market. ZenaTech's DaaS model is designed to eliminate the barriers that have traditionally kept businesses from adopting drone technology. Instead of purchasing expensive hardware, training pilots, and navigating regulatory hurdles, companies can now access ZenaDrone's multifunctional drones on a subscription basis. This approach is particularly appealing to industries like agriculture, defense, logistics, and environmental monitoring, where the cost and complexity of drone ownership could be been as significant deterrents. 'Our DaaS business model is similar to how Uber transformed the taxi industry,' says CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. 'We're providing businesses with affordable access to cutting-edge drone technology without the need for large upfront investments.' The company's flagship drone, the ZenaDrone 1000, is a versatile tool capable of performing tasks ranging from crop monitoring and building inspections to security surveillance and disaster response. For indoor applications, the IQ Nano drone offers compact, autonomous solutions for inventory management and logistics. By leveraging these drones, businesses can achieve significant operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve safety. Expanding Reach Through Strategic Acquisitions ZenaTech's aggressive acquisition strategy is another key driver of its DaaS growth. On February 4, 2025, the company announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a fifth land survey engineering company in Southeast Florida. This marks ZenaTech's second acquisition in the region and underscores its commitment to building a national DaaS network. The acquisition is particularly significant as it aligns with ZenaTech's broader strategy to leverage its drone technology for border security and coastal surveillance—a pressing issue for Florida, where illegal immigration cost taxpayers over $8 billion in 2023, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform. 'Our vision with DaaS is to enable drones to dramatically improve the speed and precision of traditional inspection, safety, and monitoring tasks,' says Passley. 'The surge in illegal immigration by sea to states like Florida is tremendously expensive for taxpayers. Drones can help with coastal surveillance, search and rescue operations, and improve efficiency and manpower expenditures for coast guard and law enforcement organizations.' The ZenaDrone 1000, equipped with advanced sensors, LiDAR, and AI-powered tracking, is poised to revolutionize border security. These drones can provide real-time aerial surveillance over vast coastal areas, detecting illegal migrant boats long before they reach shore. With capabilities like thermal imaging and night vision, they can operate 24/7 in difficult-to-monitor areas, reducing reliance on costly and slower manned patrols. Additionally, drones can relay live data to law enforcement, enabling quicker interception of migrant vessels and improving search and rescue operations for those in distress. By integrating drones with radar systems and AI analytics, authorities can identify patterns in illegal crossings, anticipate threats, and allocate resources more efficiently. This not only strengthens Florida's maritime border security but also highlights the versatility of ZenaTech's DaaS model in addressing complex, large-scale challenges. Targeting High-Impact Applications One of the most promising aspects of ZenaTech's DaaS model is its focus on high-impact applications. For example, the company is developing drone swarms to address natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. In hurricane-prone regions like Florida, ZenaTech plans to deploy hundreds of ZenaDrone 1000 units for search-and-rescue operations, damage assessment, and cleanup efforts. Similarly, in the Pacific Northwest, the company is exploring the use of drone swarms for wildfire management, leveraging AI and quantum computing to process vast amounts of real-time data. 'AI-powered drone swarms can dynamically adapt to changing conditions, providing critical support in inaccessible or heavily damaged areas,' explains Passley. 'This technology has the potential to save lives and reduce the economic impact of natural disasters.' The average cost of a landfalling hurricane is estimated at $22.8 billion, while wildfires in the U.S. could cost between $394 billion and $893 billion annually. By offering cost-effective drone solutions for disaster response, ZenaTech is tapping into a massive and growing market. Agriculture Agriculture is another sector where ZenaTech's drones are making waves. The company's multispectral imaging technology allows farmers to monitor crop health, detect pests, and optimize irrigation with unprecedented precision. This capability is particularly valuable in precision agriculture, where the ability to make data-driven decisions can significantly improve yields and sustainability. ZenaTech is also pursuing FAA certification for its ZenaDrone 1000 to be used as a crop sprayer. This dual-use capability—applicable to both agriculture and wildfire management—could open up new revenue streams for the company. The U.S. agricultural drone market, valued at $2.74 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $10.45 billion by 2030. ZenaTech is well-positioned to capture a share of this booming market. The Road Ahead ZenaTech's DaaS model is more than just a business strategy—it's a vision for the future of drone technology. As Passley puts it, 'We're bringing the speed and precision of AI drones to legacy industries, transforming the way businesses operate.' For investors, ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) represents a unique opportunity to invest in a company that's not only innovating within the drone space but also addressing critical challenges across industries like agriculture, disaster response, and border security. With its scalable DaaS model, strategic acquisitions, and focus on high-impact applications, ZenaTech is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for drone technology—making it a stock worth watching as it continues to execute its growth strategy. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. 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