{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"84418","rtpr_id":"nGNX98JHkF","ticker":"ZENA","exchange":"NASDAQ","all_tickers":["ZENA"],"title":"ZenaTech's ZenaDrone Moves IQ Aqua Underwater Mine-Detection Drone into U.S. Field Testing in Florida","author":"Globe Newswire","published_at":"2026-07-09T12:00:02.113Z","article_body":"VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc.\n(Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (\"ZenaTech\"), a technology solution\nprovider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a\nService (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces\nthat its ZenaDrone subsidiary has moved the IQ Aqua autonomous underwater\nvehicle (AUV) into an active U.S. field testing program. Testing is being\nconducted in the Pensacola, Florida area near the Company’s Drone as a\nService office location, marking a key milestone since ZenaTech first unveiled\nthe IQ Aqua prototype in March 2026. The testing program consists of putting\nthe IQ Aqua drone through both controlled aquatic environments and natural,\nopen water bodies, allowing the engineering team to validate the drone’s\nstability, maneuverability, sensors and autonomous navigation across a range\nof real-world operating conditions ahead of broader testing and next version\ndeployment.\n\n\"Moving from prototype to structured field testing in a matter of weeks\ndemonstrates the speed at which our team is executing on the IQ Aqua program,\"\nsaid Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. \"Underwater mine detection is one of\nthe most pressing gaps in modern maritime warfare as mines are inexpensive to\ndeploy and dangerous and costly to clear using traditional manned methods, and\nmilitaries around the world are actively looking for autonomous alternatives.\nThat urgency translates into real demand, and we believe IQ Aqua positions us\nto capture a meaningful share of an underwater drone market that is expected\nto grow to over $16 billion over the next decade. Every test run mission in\nPensacola gets us closer to giving global defense forces a platform to fill a\nneed in one of the fastest-growing segments in defense technology.\"\n\nThe IQ Aqua is designed to extend ZenaDrone’s IQ series family of autonomous\nair, land, and water-surface drones into underwater operations, with a primary\nfocus on defense applications, including undersea mine detection and\ncountermeasure support, covert underwater intelligence, surveillance,\nreconnaissance (ISR), and port and harbor threat detection. The platform is\nalso being developed for commercial use, including autonomous inspection of\nenergy pipelines, bridges, and other maritime infrastructure, offering an\nalternative to costly and higher-risk diver or manned-vessel deployments.\n\nIn parallel with the Pensacola testing program, ZenaDrone is advancing\ndevelopment of the IQ Aqua Version 2, with the team currently ordering\ncomponents and preparing for assembly at ZenaDrone’s manufacturing facility\nin the United Arab Emirates, with completion targeted in the coming weeks.\nVersion 2 is being engineered to be faster than the current prototype,\nincorporating a different propulsion system intended to improve speed and\noperational range designed for future defense and commercial deployments.\n\nThe global underwater drone market is projected to exceed $16 billion USD by\n2034, according to Global Market Insights\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=AN-5ndqoAICjKu_FjCJzVLt5UDrbZc4AUMFEmYOHrEiX-n2V3jr84jgDxuOE8egA52bEYCgHhcdIk8rV_ks4_ZxJ3bC_nGes5lpzrK70JkBprvndyJofPlEUcIi612rDp1Sg39YRc2JHJ1kJJQscYhq7q1fCedHdo4Vkz8ZBYak=),\nwith defense and security applications representing the fastest-growing\nsegment of that market. The Company plans to target U.S. defense customers,\nNATO partners, and U.S. allied Gulf nations as well as commercial customers.\nZenaTech and will provide additional updates as new developmental and testing\nmilestones are achieved.\n\nAbout ZenaTech \n\nZenaTech\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=DN8kPjDRcQMGiUyDxlvRKsUjrn0INODQTbO_vfBw2oMVD2Iyb_xamOKvdfuAamd3QKY2uWHmSIraNBFuvsPg7A==),\nInc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company that\nspecializes in AI autonomy drone platforms to transform industrial,\ngovernment, and defense sectors. Its subsidiaries include drone manufacturing\nthrough ZenaDrone, a global Drone as a Service\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=sD_3490B2E7TQIL7-Zbhsui4r8JHFEzroFdD0YWE9QiZ9hoOvO5XocBKpgBaLuKEDj6G0krqQ7w6cfDmeE2eJVc3fdx1Buw6HgM3qjx3FJM=) (DaaS)\nbusiness, and a separate enterprise SaaS division of software brands. The\nCompany is executing an acquisition-led DaaS roll-up strategy to digitize and\nautomate legacy service industries like land surveys and inspections, driving\ndrone-based scalable, recurring revenue growth. With an operating footprint\nspanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, ZenaTech is\nadvancing AI drones for agriculture and logistics, as well as ISR, cargo, and\ncounter-UAS applications for U.S. defense and NATO allies. The company is\ninvesting in next-generation technologies, including drone swarms, quantum\ncomputing, and advanced AI autonomy to capture long-term opportunities in key\nmarkets through its R&D initiatives.\n\nAbout ZenaDrone\n\nZenaDrone\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=HvnKciDX0NWc5NxE-x3BGZUvpDdpK935Jmljr7DBatURAC1Mrvmscy5zRDVBgXqW8C9Rk0uIhrNI8OjjRzXi3A==),\na subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures AI-powered multifunction\nautonomous drone solutions integrating machine learning, predictive analytics,\nand advanced computing technologies, for government, defense, and industrial\napplications. This includes multifunctional drones for surveying, inspections,\nlogistics, security, and defense applications. Its product portfolio includes\nthe ZenaDrone 1000\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=HvnKciDX0NWc5NxE-x3BGX5tYqnS5V1leWhfzmgcKV6ZCUYXzwhw4m-hjW99AbqXZ7xRTtquEZJQ7H85HBg32hPhz2rZvUxj8BuRJLRyVdHp8qHDVPXtN-G3K0GQKS7o)\nfor ISR defense and specialized cargo, the IQ Nano\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=MMR-fZCCC1jhqyLRLqHGlwKTuwqSzluMxIhCqiKpwSfPre5sog4vNLphzbKRStgx6HtlDf89lDx733F9aaQEwxlluob5-xe1-PAFDdSBJii6WM9YfuY70a287vensd2t)\nfor indoor inventory management and security, the IQ Square\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=5Sw7TiynJrMaFtSR96ufQa3ZXuZ1YfvOUtgrEs8RTv8sNFqf7P2Izconj9XgYX83OiJUtEQWfF0lh5fzGqWPysU-O-4aSzCCEbbbOVGnbC4PEW3kwtpn-ik1wcfCom2L)\nfor outdoor inspections and maintenance, the IQ Quad\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=If0hKjlkcR_VAhkgIQpjEeOjXCDyCJPbTxo1zgITp6dqg1Pnq6hPujhxV6OK_fRcXwMLVopTX6yr79LPLYAWk_uiYt8WMCb_jYhxiuvj-wo=)\nfor land surveying, and the IQ Aqua for underwater applications. ZenaDrone\noperates three global manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Dubai, and Taiwan,\nand is advancing counter-UAS maritime interceptor drones and an integrated\ndefense system.\n\nContacts for more information:\n\nCompany, Investors, and Media: \nLinda Montgomery \nZenaTech \n312-241-1415 \ninvestors@zenatech.com\n\nInvestors: \nMichael Mason \nCORE IR \ninvestors@zenatech.com\n\nSafe Harbor\n\nThis press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc.\ninclude “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal\nsecurities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking\nstatements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private\nSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information\nrelates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects\nmanagement’s expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech’s growth,\nresults of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities.\nSuch forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are\nbased on information currently available to management. In some cases,\nforward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as\n“may”, “will”, “should “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”,\n“aim”, “seek”, “is/are likely to”, “believe”, “estimate”,\n“predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms\nor other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking\nstatements.  Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is\nnot limited to ZenaTech’s expectations regarding its revenue, expenses,\nproduction, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations\nwith respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech's ability to\ndeliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone\nproducts including ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square, IQ Aqua, IQ Sphere, IQ Nano, and\ncounter UAS interceptor drones; ZenaTech's ability to develop products for\nmarkets as currently contemplated; ZenaTech’s anticipated cash needs and\nit’s needs for additional financing; ZenaTech’s intention to grow the\nbusiness and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to\nfuture operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market\nconditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic,\nenvironmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in\nemerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer\nperception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire\nkey personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive\nand business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech’s expected business objectives\nfor the next twelve months; ZenaTech’s ability to obtain additional funds\nthrough the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market\nshare; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the\ntarget markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital,\nincluding through the listing of its securities in various\njurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent\ninfringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments\naffecting the business of ZenaTech and other related risks ‎‎‎and\nuncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in\nthe Company’s Form F-1, Form 20-F and other filings filed ‎‎‎with the\nUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR\nthrough the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes\n‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information\nexcept as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking\ninformation represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on\ninformation currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking\n‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary\nmaterially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to\n‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or\n‎‎‎information.‎\n\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76d0c807-d331-4d2f-94f8-1697c3623a8f)\n\n\n\nGlobeNewswire, Inc. 2026","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nGNX98JHkF","title":"ZenaTech's ZenaDrone Moves IQ Aqua Underwater Mine-Detection Drone into U.S. Field Testing in Florida","author":"Globe Newswire","ticker":"ZENA","created":"2026-07-09T12:00:02.113Z","tickers":["ZENA"],"exchange":"NASDAQ","article_body":"VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc.\n(Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (\"ZenaTech\"), a technology solution\nprovider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a\nService (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces\nthat its ZenaDrone subsidiary has moved the IQ Aqua autonomous underwater\nvehicle (AUV) into an active U.S. field testing program. Testing is being\nconducted in the Pensacola, Florida area near the Company’s Drone as a\nService office location, marking a key milestone since ZenaTech first unveiled\nthe IQ Aqua prototype in March 2026. The testing program consists of putting\nthe IQ Aqua drone through both controlled aquatic environments and natural,\nopen water bodies, allowing the engineering team to validate the drone’s\nstability, maneuverability, sensors and autonomous navigation across a range\nof real-world operating conditions ahead of broader testing and next version\ndeployment.\n\n\"Moving from prototype to structured field testing in a matter of weeks\ndemonstrates the speed at which our team is executing on the IQ Aqua program,\"\nsaid Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. \"Underwater mine detection is one of\nthe most pressing gaps in modern maritime warfare as mines are inexpensive to\ndeploy and dangerous and costly to clear using traditional manned methods, and\nmilitaries around the world are actively looking for autonomous alternatives.\nThat urgency translates into real demand, and we believe IQ Aqua positions us\nto capture a meaningful share of an underwater drone market that is expected\nto grow to over $16 billion over the next decade. Every test run mission in\nPensacola gets us closer to giving global defense forces a platform to fill a\nneed in one of the fastest-growing segments in defense technology.\"\n\nThe IQ Aqua is designed to extend ZenaDrone’s IQ series family of autonomous\nair, land, and water-surface drones into underwater operations, with a primary\nfocus on defense applications, including undersea mine detection and\ncountermeasure support, covert underwater intelligence, surveillance,\nreconnaissance (ISR), and port and harbor threat detection. The platform is\nalso being developed for commercial use, including autonomous inspection of\nenergy pipelines, bridges, and other maritime infrastructure, offering an\nalternative to costly and higher-risk diver or manned-vessel deployments.\n\nIn parallel with the Pensacola testing program, ZenaDrone is advancing\ndevelopment of the IQ Aqua Version 2, with the team currently ordering\ncomponents and preparing for assembly at ZenaDrone’s manufacturing facility\nin the United Arab Emirates, with completion targeted in the coming weeks.\nVersion 2 is being engineered to be faster than the current prototype,\nincorporating a different propulsion system intended to improve speed and\noperational range designed for future defense and commercial deployments.\n\nThe global underwater drone market is projected to exceed $16 billion USD by\n2034, according to Global Market Insights\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=AN-5ndqoAICjKu_FjCJzVLt5UDrbZc4AUMFEmYOHrEiX-n2V3jr84jgDxuOE8egA52bEYCgHhcdIk8rV_ks4_ZxJ3bC_nGes5lpzrK70JkBprvndyJofPlEUcIi612rDp1Sg39YRc2JHJ1kJJQscYhq7q1fCedHdo4Vkz8ZBYak=),\nwith defense and security applications representing the fastest-growing\nsegment of that market. The Company plans to target U.S. defense customers,\nNATO partners, and U.S. allied Gulf nations as well as commercial customers.\nZenaTech and will provide additional updates as new developmental and testing\nmilestones are achieved.\n\nAbout ZenaTech \n\nZenaTech\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=DN8kPjDRcQMGiUyDxlvRKsUjrn0INODQTbO_vfBw2oMVD2Iyb_xamOKvdfuAamd3QKY2uWHmSIraNBFuvsPg7A==),\nInc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company that\nspecializes in AI autonomy drone platforms to transform industrial,\ngovernment, and defense sectors. Its subsidiaries include drone manufacturing\nthrough ZenaDrone, a global Drone as a Service\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=sD_3490B2E7TQIL7-Zbhsui4r8JHFEzroFdD0YWE9QiZ9hoOvO5XocBKpgBaLuKEDj6G0krqQ7w6cfDmeE2eJVc3fdx1Buw6HgM3qjx3FJM=) (DaaS)\nbusiness, and a separate enterprise SaaS division of software brands. The\nCompany is executing an acquisition-led DaaS roll-up strategy to digitize and\nautomate legacy service industries like land surveys and inspections, driving\ndrone-based scalable, recurring revenue growth. With an operating footprint\nspanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, ZenaTech is\nadvancing AI drones for agriculture and logistics, as well as ISR, cargo, and\ncounter-UAS applications for U.S. defense and NATO allies. The company is\ninvesting in next-generation technologies, including drone swarms, quantum\ncomputing, and advanced AI autonomy to capture long-term opportunities in key\nmarkets through its R&D initiatives.\n\nAbout ZenaDrone\n\nZenaDrone\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=HvnKciDX0NWc5NxE-x3BGZUvpDdpK935Jmljr7DBatURAC1Mrvmscy5zRDVBgXqW8C9Rk0uIhrNI8OjjRzXi3A==),\na subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures AI-powered multifunction\nautonomous drone solutions integrating machine learning, predictive analytics,\nand advanced computing technologies, for government, defense, and industrial\napplications. This includes multifunctional drones for surveying, inspections,\nlogistics, security, and defense applications. Its product portfolio includes\nthe ZenaDrone 1000\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=HvnKciDX0NWc5NxE-x3BGX5tYqnS5V1leWhfzmgcKV6ZCUYXzwhw4m-hjW99AbqXZ7xRTtquEZJQ7H85HBg32hPhz2rZvUxj8BuRJLRyVdHp8qHDVPXtN-G3K0GQKS7o)\nfor ISR defense and specialized cargo, the IQ Nano\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=MMR-fZCCC1jhqyLRLqHGlwKTuwqSzluMxIhCqiKpwSfPre5sog4vNLphzbKRStgx6HtlDf89lDx733F9aaQEwxlluob5-xe1-PAFDdSBJii6WM9YfuY70a287vensd2t)\nfor indoor inventory management and security, the IQ Square\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=5Sw7TiynJrMaFtSR96ufQa3ZXuZ1YfvOUtgrEs8RTv8sNFqf7P2Izconj9XgYX83OiJUtEQWfF0lh5fzGqWPysU-O-4aSzCCEbbbOVGnbC4PEW3kwtpn-ik1wcfCom2L)\nfor outdoor inspections and maintenance, the IQ Quad\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=If0hKjlkcR_VAhkgIQpjEeOjXCDyCJPbTxo1zgITp6dqg1Pnq6hPujhxV6OK_fRcXwMLVopTX6yr79LPLYAWk_uiYt8WMCb_jYhxiuvj-wo=)\nfor land surveying, and the IQ Aqua for underwater applications. ZenaDrone\noperates three global manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Dubai, and Taiwan,\nand is advancing counter-UAS maritime interceptor drones and an integrated\ndefense system.\n\nContacts for more information:\n\nCompany, Investors, and Media: \nLinda Montgomery \nZenaTech \n312-241-1415 \ninvestors@zenatech.com\n\nInvestors: \nMichael Mason \nCORE IR \ninvestors@zenatech.com\n\nSafe Harbor\n\nThis press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc.\ninclude “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal\nsecurities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking\nstatements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private\nSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information\nrelates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects\nmanagement’s expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech’s growth,\nresults of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities.\nSuch forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are\nbased on information currently available to management. In some cases,\nforward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as\n“may”, “will”, “should “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”,\n“aim”, “seek”, “is/are likely to”, “believe”, “estimate”,\n“predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms\nor other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking\nstatements.  Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is\nnot limited to ZenaTech’s expectations regarding its revenue, expenses,\nproduction, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations\nwith respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech's ability to\ndeliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone\nproducts including ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square, IQ Aqua, IQ Sphere, IQ Nano, and\ncounter UAS interceptor drones; ZenaTech's ability to develop products for\nmarkets as currently contemplated; ZenaTech’s anticipated cash needs and\nit’s needs for additional financing; ZenaTech’s intention to grow the\nbusiness and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to\nfuture operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market\nconditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic,\nenvironmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in\nemerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer\nperception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire\nkey personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive\nand business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech’s expected business objectives\nfor the next twelve months; ZenaTech’s ability to obtain additional funds\nthrough the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market\nshare; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the\ntarget markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital,\nincluding through the listing of its securities in various\njurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent\ninfringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments\naffecting the business of ZenaTech and other related risks ‎‎‎and\nuncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in\nthe Company’s Form F-1, Form 20-F and other filings filed ‎‎‎with the\nUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR\nthrough the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes\n‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information\nexcept as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking\ninformation represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on\ninformation currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking\n‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary\nmaterially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to\n‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or\n‎‎‎information.‎\n\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76d0c807-d331-4d2f-94f8-1697c3623a8f)\n\n\n\nGlobeNewswire, Inc. 2026"},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-07-09T12:00:02.192382838Z","server_sent_at_ms":1783598402192},"received_at":"2026-07-09T12:00:02.244Z","source_url":"https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/09/3324748/0/en/ZenaTech-s-ZenaDrone-Moves-IQ-Aqua-Underwater-Mine-Detection-Drone-into-U-S-Field-Testing-in-Florida.html"},"analysis":{"id":"73472","press_release_id":"84418","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Aerospace & Defense","sector":"Industrials"},"redFlags":[],"eventType":"operations_update","narrative":"ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone subsidiary has advanced its IQ Aqua autonomous underwater drone into active U.S. field testing in Pensacola, Florida.\n\nThe testing program validates stability, sensors, and autonomous navigation in both controlled and open water environments, targeting a global underwater drone market projected to exceed $16 billion by 2034.\n\nSimultaneously, the company is assembling the IQ Aqua Version 2 in the UAE, with completion targeted in the coming weeks to enhance speed and operational range.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":false,"suggestedAngle":"ZenaTech hits key R&D milestone with IQ Aqua field testing, positioning for defense market growth."},"keyFigures":{"customDimensions":{"tam_usd":16000000000}},"quotedText":"Moving from prototype to structured field testing in a matter of weeks demonstrates the speed at which our team is executing on the IQ Aqua program,","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Shaun Passley, Ph.D.","role":"CEO"},{"name":"Linda Montgomery","role":"Contact"},{"name":"Michael Mason","role":"Contact"}],"products":["IQ Aqua","ZenaDrone 1000","IQ Nano","IQ Square","IQ Quad","IQ Sphere"],"companies":[{"name":"ZenaTech","ticker":"ZENA"},{"name":"ZenaDrone","relationship":"subsidiary"},{"name":"Global Market Insights","relationship":"data source"},{"name":"CORE IR","relationship":"Investor Relations"}],"dollarAmounts":[{"amount":"$16 billion","context":"projected global underwater drone market size by 2034"}]},"materialImpact":{"score":3,"reasoning":"Progression from prototype to structured field testing is a key developmental milestone for ZenaTech's defense-focused IQ Aqua drone. While the market opportunity is cited as significant, this remains an R&D stage event without revenue or immediate commercial contracts."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[],"primary":"ZENA"},"globalImportance":25,"audienceRelevance":30,"eventTypeSecondary":[],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"small-cap","eventGravity":"developmental-milestone","sectorWeight":"defense-tech"}},"event_type":"operations_update","event_type_secondary":null,"sentiment":"bullish","material_impact_score":3,"narrative":"ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone subsidiary has advanced its IQ Aqua autonomous underwater drone into active U.S. field testing in Pensacola, Florida.\n\nThe testing program validates stability, sensors, and autonomous navigation in both controlled and open water environments, targeting a global underwater drone market projected to exceed $16 billion by 2034.\n\nSimultaneously, the company is assembling the IQ Aqua Version 2 in the UAE, with completion targeted in the coming weeks to enhance speed and operational range.","key_figures":{"customDimensions":{"tam_usd":16000000000}},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Shaun Passley, Ph.D.","role":"CEO"},{"name":"Linda Montgomery","role":"Contact"},{"name":"Michael Mason","role":"Contact"}],"products":["IQ Aqua","ZenaDrone 1000","IQ Nano","IQ Square","IQ Quad","IQ Sphere"],"companies":[{"name":"ZenaTech","ticker":"ZENA"},{"name":"ZenaDrone","relationship":"subsidiary"},{"name":"Global Market Insights","relationship":"data source"},{"name":"CORE IR","relationship":"Investor Relations"}],"dollarAmounts":[{"amount":"$16 billion","context":"projected global underwater drone market size by 2034"}]},"model_name":"qwen3_6_27b_awq","prompt_hash":"sha256:727b4b9429a443af","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-07-09T12:13:56.673Z","global_importance":25,"audience_relevance":30,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"small-cap","eventGravity":"developmental-milestone","sectorWeight":"defense-tech"}},"durationMs":183424,"modelName":"george-droid-qwen-72b"}}