TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that it has been selected as a qualified supplier under the Government of Canada’s Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) Marketplace. The qualification establishes ZenaTech as part of the Government of Canada’s pre-qualified supplier pool, creating a pathway to compete for future defense and security drone requirements supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard.
“Being selected for Canada’s Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace represents an important milestone for our growing defense business,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “We have been investing in autonomous drone technology, AI, manufacturing, and advanced capabilities designed for real-world defense and government applications, and we look forward to demonstrating how our ZenaDrone solutions can contribute to Canada’s objective of building a strong domestic drone and autonomous systems industry. Our goal is to continue advancing our technology and manufacturing capabilities so that ZenaDrone can become an important supplier of autonomous drone solutions to Canada and allied governments.”
Launched by the Government of Canada in July 2026, the Defence Drone Initiative is designed to accelerate the development, testing, adaptation and production of uncrewed and autonomous systems while strengthening Canada’s domestic defense industrial capacity. Qualification under the DDI Marketplace does not constitute the award of a procurement contract, but it positions ZenaTech to apply and compete for applicable future requirements issued through the Marketplace.
ZenaDrone’s defense-focused portfolio is anchored by the ZenaDrone 1000, a multifunction autonomous drone platform built for surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics and specialized cargo missions currently at the testing stage. The IQ Series of drones range from an indoor inventory management and security drone to inspection, land surveys and mapping, and an underwater drone. The Company’s counter-UAS maritime interceptor drones and launch and refueling station, part of an integrated defense system, are currently in development. These platforms are being created to combine AI-driven autonomy, advanced sensors and modular payloads designed to meet the demanding requirements of defense and security operators and are being developed in parallel with ZenaTech’s ongoing manufacturing facility expansion across Arizona, Dubai and Taiwan.
About ZenaTech
ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company that specializes in AI autonomy drone platforms to transform commercial, government, and defense sectors. Its subsidiaries include drone manufacturing through ZenaDrone, a global Drone as a Service (DaaS) business, and an enterprise SaaS division of software brands. The Company is executing an acquisition-led DaaS roll-up strategy to digitize and automate legacy service industries including land surveys and inspections, driving drone-based scalable and recurring revenue growth. With an operating footprint spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, ZenaTech is advancing AI drones for agriculture and logistics, as well as ISR, cargo, and counter-UAS applications for U.S. defense and NATO allies. The company is investing in next-generation technologies, including drone swarms, quantum computing, and advanced AI autonomy to capture long-term opportunities in key markets through its R&D initiatives.
About ZenaDrone
ZenaDrone, a subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures AI-powered multifunction autonomous drone solutions integrating machine learning, predictive analytics, and advanced computing technologies, for government, defense, and industrial applications. This includes multifunctional drones for surveying, inspections, logistics, security, and defense applications. Its product portfolio includes the ZenaDrone 1000 for ISR defense and specialized cargo, the IQ Nano for indoor inventory management and security, the IQ Square for outdoor inspections and maintenance, the IQ Quad for land surveying, and the IQ Aqua for underwater applications. ZenaDrone operates three global manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Dubai, and Taiwan, and is advancing counter-UAS maritime interceptor drones and an integrated defense system.