Empower AI Acquires Highlight Technologies to Accelerate AI-Driven Mission Delivery Across Federal Agencies

Acquisition expands delivery scale, strengthens AI practice, and opens new pathways within defense and civilian markets

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Empower AI today announced the acquisition of Highlight Technologies, Inc., a Fairfax, Virginia-based federal IT services firm, expanding its ability to deliver AI-driven, cloud-enabled mission solutions across the federal government. The move strengthens Empower AI’s capabilities in DevSecOps, artificial intelligence, data management, and cloud modernization while broadening support for high-priority modernization initiatives across the Departments of State and Homeland Security.

The combination brings together Empower AI’s accelerator-based model for scalable AI delivery and Highlight’s record of mission-focused execution in complex environments. Highlight CEO Aarish Gokaldas called the companies “a natural fit,” noting that Empower AI’s AI-first approach, paired with Highlight’s deep agency expertise, creates “the platform and scale to deliver even greater impact for the missions we serve.”

Founded in 2008, Highlight Technologies has built a strong reputation for mission modernization, data-driven decision support, digital transformation, and rapid-response delivery across defense, civilian, and homeland security customers. A distinguishing asset is its AIDE (AI Data Integration & Orchestration Engine), recently assessed as “Awardable” in the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, expanding Empower AI’s access to emerging defense opportunities and reinforcing its position in the evolving federal AI landscape.

The acquisition also accelerates the growth of Empower AI’s proprietary AI accelerator portfolio, with the combined organization delivering faster deployment, improved interoperability, and more scalable AI adoption for federal customers. Empower AI CEO Jeff Bohling said Highlight Technologies brings “exceptional talent, proven technology, and deep agency relationships that will meaningfully expand what we can deliver to our customers.”

The transaction is effective July 7, 2026. Terms were not disclosed.

About Empower AI

For 30+ years, Empower AI has supported federal missions through innovative technologies and its specialized AI practice. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the company’s services span AI, engineering and integration, software solutions, mission support, infrastructure modernization, and IT service management. Learn more at www.empower.ai.

About Highlight Technologies

Highlight Technologies is a mission-led, employee-owned federal IT services firm founded in 2008 and headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. The company delivers DevSecOps, cloud, AI/ML, and data management solutions across civilian, homeland security, and defense markets. Learn more at www.highlighttech.com.