The commercial drone industry is just starting to take off.987

That’s because drones are quickly becoming an essential tool for the U.S. government, and multi-billion-dollar businesses involved in defense, construction, logistics, agriculture, oil and gas, public security and even deliveries.

Look at the drone-as-a-service (DaaS) market, for example.

According to Research and Markets, the industry is expected to be worth about $355.55 billion by 2032. All thanks to strong business demand for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In addition, with DaaS there’s no need for upfront costs or operational licensing.

Of course, investors looking to play the trend for maximum upside have a number of intriguing companies to choose from. However, those with consistent revenue streams, such as ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) could offer some of the greatest potential upside.

In the first quarter of 2025, the company’s total revenues were $1.13 million, which nearly doubled year over year numbers thanks to acquisitions and strong organic growth.

The accelerated growth in the drone industry is creating an incredibly unique opportunity.

Fueling upside, two substantial catalysts are expected to send drone stocks sky-high.

Key Catalyst #1: New Government Rules Will Soon Reshape U.S. Commercial Drone Operations

In early May, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that Secretary Sean Duffy submitted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposals that could have a dramatic impact on U.S. commercial drone operations.

Once both are approved, they have the potential to open the floodgates for commercial UAVs.

Key Catalyst #2: President Trump is Decidedly Pro-Drone

President Trump just signed two executive orders addressing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), marking a pivotal moment for the commercial drone industry and national airspace security.

As noted by The White House:

“The United States must accelerate the safe commercialization of drone technologies and fully integrate UAS into the National Airspace System.  The time has come to accelerate testing and to enable routine drone operations, scale up domestic production, and expand the export of trusted, American-manufactured drone technologies to global markets.  Building a strong and secure domestic drone sector is vital to reducing reliance on foreign sources, strengthening critical supply chains, and ensuring that the benefits of this technology are delivered to the American people.”

He’s made it abundantly clear the U.S. needs to strengthen its drone tech leadership.

According to The National Law Review, “President Trump argues that drones are not just flying gadgets, they’re a key part of the future economy. They can improve productivity, create high-skilled jobs, and modernize transportation and logistics. To stay competitive globally, the United States must scale production, expand exports, and support homegrown innovation.”

Drone Stocks Like ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) Could Be Perfectly Positioned for this High-Upside Scenario.

With these two catalysts potentially accelerating the growth of drone tech innovation in the U.S., an opportunity is quickly emerging for a handful of companies in this space.

One of these companies, which appears to be far more advanced than the average drone company is ZenaTech.

For one, the company is unique with its DaaS [drone as a service] model for drones, considering that none of its peers have this.

In fact, DaaS helps eliminate the need to buy and physically own drone hardware and software.

It also helps remove the need for drone pilot training, and the need to obtain certifications and regulatory approvals. All of which can be time-consuming and costly.

Two, the ZENA business model will target multiple U.S. sectors and customers such as governments, farmers, oil and gas companies, warehouse and logistics customers, and environmental firms, allowing them to utilize a complete drone solution.

Fueling even more upside, the company just closed five acquisitions since the start of the year.

All of which give ZenaTech greater exposure to the land surveying market in Palm Beach County, accelerated drone innovation in land surveys in the Southeast U.S., drone swarms and wildfire applications, and powerline inspection capabilities.

Most recently, the company just signed an offer to acquire a Virginia-headquartered land survey and civil engineering firm with operations in three states and expertise serving major US federal government agencies and regional infrastructure programs.

Once completed, the acquisition will mark the company’s first entry into Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, outside of its current location in Florida. It will also help ZenaTech accelerate its growth across the Southeast part of the United States. ZenaTech is targeting another 20 acquisitions over the next 12 months.

Drone as a Service is a Unique Investment Opportunity

With a good deal of catalysts, Demand for Drone as a Service (DaaS) is set for massive growth.

“The impetus behind this remarkable surge includes the escalating integration of drones into business applications, the enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness offered by DaaS, advancements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies, and the increasing outsourcing of drone-based services,” added Research and Markets.

All with no real need for upfront costs or operational licensing.

Again, investors looking to play the trend for maximum upside have a number of intriguing companies to choose from. However, those with consistent revenue streams, such as ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) could offer some of the greatest potential upside in this space.