Empower AI has officially announced its acquisition of Highlight Technologies, a federal IT services firm based in Fairfax, Virginia. This strategic move, effective July 7, 2026, is designed to significantly enhance Empower AI's delivery of artificial intelligence and cloud-based solutions to U.S. federal agencies. The integration of the two companies aims to accelerate critical modernization initiatives across the government sector.
Strategic Expansion of Federal AI Capabilities
The acquisition directly strengthens Empower AI’s core competencies in high-demand areas such as DevSecOps, data management, and cloud modernization. This enhancement of capabilities will broaden the company's support for high-priority projects within key federal bodies. Specifically, the merger will deepen its engagement with the Departments of State and Homeland Security.
This combination strategically merges Empower AI’s accelerator-based model for scalable AI delivery with Highlight’s proven record of mission-focused execution. The synergy between these distinct approaches is expected to produce more robust and efficient outcomes for government clients. Ultimately, this partnership aims to help agencies modernize their critical operations with greater speed and impact.
Integrating Key Technologies and Talent
A key asset gained through the acquisition is Highlight’s AI Data Integration & Orchestration Engine, known as AIDE. This platform recently earned an “Awardable” assessment in the Department of Defense’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace. This distinction significantly expands Empower AI’s access to emerging defense opportunities and reinforces its market position.
The integration of Highlight's technology is set to accelerate the growth of Empower AI’s proprietary AI accelerator portfolio. This will enable the combined organization to deliver faster deployments and improved interoperability for its federal customers. The move is a direct response to the government's increasing need for scalable and rapidly adoptable AI solutions.
Leadership Perspectives on the Merger
Empower AI CEO Jeff Bohling commented on the strategic value of the merger, emphasizing the quality of the incoming team. He stated that Highlight Technologies brings “exceptional talent, proven technology, and deep agency relationships” to the organization. These assets will meaningfully expand the scope and impact of what Empower AI can deliver to its customers.
Highlight Technologies CEO Aarish Gokaldas described the two companies as a natural fit for one another. He noted that pairing Empower AI’s AI-first approach with Highlight’s deep agency expertise creates a powerful new platform. This combination provides the necessary scale to deliver even greater impact for the federal missions they serve.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Highlight Technologies by Empower AI marks a significant consolidation in the federal technology services market. The merger creates a more powerful entity equipped to lead AI-driven modernization efforts across the U.S. government. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the strategic integration is poised to deliver enhanced value to federal agencies.