ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) has issued a progress update on the development of its proprietary quantum computing hardware platform, specifically designed for U.S. Defense, Homeland Security, and government applications. The company has identified its core technological requirements and vendors and has initiated the procurement of key components for its first quantum computer prototype. ZenaTech expects the assembly of this five-qubit prototype to be completed and operational by late 2026, marking a foundational step in the company’s transition toward vertically integrated hardware solutions.

The primary function of the upcoming platform is the real-time processing and analysis of high-volume datasets generated by the company’s ZenaDrone systems and drone swarms. By leveraging quantum-enhanced processing speeds, the hardware is intended to provide actionable decision-support for military and government operations in contested environments. This capability is critical for Inspection, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, where the rapid detection and tracking of threats—such as troop movements or unauthorized vessels—require situational awareness beyond the current limits of classical computing.

The quantum hardware initiative will also support the company’s broader research and development portfolio, including the Eagle Eye project for AI-driven defense and Zena AI, the company’s specialized AI hub in Baton Rouge. Other integrated projects include Clear Skies, focused on localized weather forecasting and wildfire management, and Sky Traffic, which targets advanced urban traffic monitoring. By integrating quantum processing with these AI-driven systems, the company aims to optimize complex tasks such as mission planning, predictive modeling, and the management of large-scale sensor networks.

The development of proprietary hardware is a strategic move to reduce reliance on third-party providers and gain greater control over the company’s innovation roadmap. CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D., noted that the vertically integrated platform is essential for handling the massive data volumes produced by autonomous drone systems while meeting the specific security and resilience requirements of modern defense forces. This hardware project complements ZenaTech’s existing Drone as a Service (DaaS) business model, positioning the company to offer end-to-end quantum-powered intelligence solutions for both commercial and national security sectors.

Read the official progress update from ZenaTech here.

January 23, 2026