STRATFI closes this funding gap by allocating $3 million to $15 million per project to advance innovations toward operational deployment.
Applied Energetics, Inc. (OTCQB:AERG)
TUCSON, AZ, UNITED STATES, August 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Applied Energetics, Inc. (OTCQB:AERG), a frontrunner in ultrashort pulse laser and directed energy solutions, announced that Applied Energetics has been picked for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) opportunity through AFWERX, the innovation wing of the Department of the Air Force and a division inside the Air Force Research Laboratory, with possible funding reaching up to $4 million and an extra potential $4 million in matching funds from the sponsor, the Air National Guard. Small businesses that received Phase II contracts in the last two years are eligible, with applications submitted via an annual notice of opportunity.
Applied Energetics, Inc. is a B2i Digital Featured Company. View the firm’s detailed profile at: https://b2idigital.com/applied-energetics-0
STRATFI helps bridge this gap by providing $3 million to $15 million per project to scale innovations for operational use. Through linking private-sector innovators, defense stakeholders, and investors, STRATFI bolsters the defense industrial base and speeds up the shift of advanced capabilities to the warfighter.
About Applied Energetics
Applied Energetics, Inc. concentrates on advanced laser and photonics systems, especially fiber-based ultrashort pulse (USP) laser technologies. Holding 26 patents and 2 pending applications, Applied Energetics’ proprietary design allows for massive size-weight-power reductions—a key advantage over conventional continuous wave (CW) laser systems that require larger footprints. AE’s powerful, dual-use systems are engineered for integration and deployment on various potential defense platforms to deliver high-intensity, ultrashort light pulses to disable or destroy a target. These technologies serve both national security and commercial markets. Currently, AE’s USP optical technologies are being developed to provide flexibility and power for complex national security missions, such as reinforcing layered defense strategies against sophisticated threats.
For more details on Applied Energetics and its cutting-edge technologies, visit www.appliedenergetics.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory serves as the primary scientific research and development hub for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays a crucial role in directing the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a team exceeding 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations worldwide, AFRL delivers a broad portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, see afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a division under the Air Force Research Laboratory, collaborates with small businesses, startups, and nontraditional vendors to tackle challenges facing Airmen and Guardians. Based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX strengthens the defense industrial base by widening access to innovators, building partnerships, and accelerating the transfer of critical technologies to operational use. In fiscal year 2025, AFWERX issued over 1,000 contracts totaling $1.37 billion and reached 438 Phase III transitions valued at $8.1 billion. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
Applied Energetics, Inc. Investor information contact:
Kevin McGrath
Managing Director Cameron Associates, Inc.
kevin@cameronassoc.com T: 646-418-7002
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include all statements not exclusively related to historical or current facts, identifiable by words such as “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “estimates,” “plans,” “strategy,” “target,” “prospects,” or “continue,” and similar terms. These forward looking statements rely on our management’s current plans and expectations and are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks that might materially affect those plans and expectations, as well as our future results of operations and financial condition, potentially causing actual results, performances, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. We assume no obligation to update these forward looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors influencing such statements.
SOURCE: Applied Energetics, Inc.
Media Contact:
David Shapiro
B2i Digital, Inc.
+1 212-579-4844
david@b2idigital.com
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Applied Energetics has been selected by AFWERX for a Strategic Funding Increase opportunity with an $8M funding ceiling to accelerate its PLAID capability.
