The Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program bridges the funding chasm by delivering $3 million to $15 million per initiative, enabling innovations to be scaled for operational deployment.
Applied Energetics, Inc. (OTCQB:AERG)
TUCSON, AZ, UNITED STATES, August 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Applied Energetics, Inc. (OTCQB:AERG), a front-runner in ultrashort pulse laser and directed energy solutions, revealed that it has been picked for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) opportunity through AFWERX—the Department of the Air Force’s innovation wing and a unit inside the Air Force Research Laboratory. The opportunity carries potential funding of as much as $4 million, plus an extra possible $4 million in matching dollars from the sponsor, the Air National Guard. Small businesses that have obtained Phase II contracts within the last two years are eligible to submit applications via an annual notice of opportunity.
Applied Energetics, Inc. is a B2i Digital Featured Company. A detailed company profile is available at: https://b2idigital.com/applied-energetics-0
STRATFI helps close this gap by supplying $3 million to $15 million per project to advance innovations toward operational use. By linking private-sector inventors, defense partners, and financial backers, STRATFI bolsters the defense industrial base and speeds up the movement of cutting-edge capabilities into the hands of warfighters.
About Applied Energetics
Applied Energetics, Inc. concentrates on advanced laser and photonics systems, particularly fiber-based ultrashort pulse (USP) laser technologies. Holding 26 patents and 2 pending patent applications, Applied Energetics’ proprietary design achieves significant reductions in size, weight, and power—a key advantage versus conventional continuous wave (CW) laser systems that have larger physical footprints. AE’s powerful, dual-purpose systems are built for integration and deployment across various potential defense platforms, delivering high-intensity, ultrashort light pulses to disable or destroy targets. These technologies find uses in both national security and commercial markets. Currently, AE’s USP optical technologies are being engineered to deliver flexibility and strength for challenging national security missions, including improving layered defense strategies to counter sophisticated threats.
For further details on Applied Energetics and its groundbreaking technologies, please visit www.appliedenergetics.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory serves as the Department of the Air Force’s premier scientific research and development hub. AFRL plays a vital role in guiding the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce exceeding 12,500 across nine technology domains and more than 40 operations worldwide, AFRL manages a broad science and technology portfolio spanning fundamental research through advanced technology development. Learn more at afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation engine and a division of the Air Force Research Laboratory, collaborates with small businesses, startups, and non-traditional suppliers to solve problems facing Airmen and Guardians. Based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX fortifies the defense industrial base by broadening access to innovators, building alliances, and accelerating the transfer of essential technologies to operational capability. In fiscal year 2025, AFWERX issued over 1,000 contracts totaling $1.37 billion and completed 438 Phase III transitions valued at $8.1 billion. More information can be found at 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 encompass all statements not solely related to historical or current facts, identifiable by words such as “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “estimates,” “plans,” “strategy,” “target,” “prospects,” “continue,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements rely on our management’s present plans and expectations and are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks that could materially affect those plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. Actual outcomes, performances, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, or other factors affecting such statements.
SOURCE: Applied Energetics, Inc.
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B2i Digital, Inc.
+1 212-579-4844
david@b2idigital.com
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Applied Energetics has been chosen by AFWERX for a Strategic Funding Increase opportunity with an $8M funding ceiling to hasten the development of its PLAID capability.
