ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA) announced the launch of a new research and development center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a planned opening in the first quarter of 2026. The facility is designed to support U.S. Department of War, DARPA, and other federal agencies by developing secure, defense‑oriented artificial intelligence systems that incorporate quantum computing research.
The Baton Rouge center will assemble a multidisciplinary team of AI software engineers, data scientists, systems engineers, and drone technology specialists. Its research agenda covers AI‑driven decision‑support systems, autonomous and semi‑autonomous intelligence architectures, advanced sensor and data fusion, secure edge intelligence, and quantum‑enhanced optimization and modeling.
The project aligns with the White House’s AI Action Plan and the three executive orders issued on July 23, 2025, rather than the previously cited “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” By establishing a U.S.‑based R&D hub, ZenaTech aims to accelerate the development of next‑generation ZenaDrone solutions for defense and homeland security, positioning the company to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding U.S. defense drone market.
ZenaTech’s recent financial performance underscores the strategic timing of the investment. In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported a 1,225% year‑over‑year revenue increase, driven largely by the Drone as a Service segment, which grew 1,200% to $1.2 billion. The company’s guidance for the full year reflects confidence in continued demand for high‑margin AI and quantum‑enabled solutions, while the new center is expected to support future revenue growth and margin expansion.
CEO Shaun Passley emphasized the company’s commitment to building a quantum‑intelligent edge, stating, “Launching the Baton Rouge R&D center in Q1 2026 reflects the progress we are making toward building a dedicated, U.S.‑based research hub aligned with national defense priorities while strengthening our capacity to accelerate the development of future‑ready ZenaDrone solutions.” The announcement was well received by investors, who view the facility as a key driver of ZenaTech’s long‑term competitive advantage in defense AI and quantum computing.
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