AI Trends for 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are transforming the way organisations make decisions, create products and interact with customers. By 2026, the evolution of these technologies will accelerate even further, opening the door to new business models and requiring robust strategies around ethics, security and governance.

In this article, we explore the key Data & AI trends for 2026 that will shape the next phase of digital transformation.

1. Generative Artificial Intelligence applied to business

Generative AI, which gained popularity in 2023 through language and image models, will reach a new level of maturity by 2026. The focus will move beyond content creation towards the automation of complex processes, such as:

• AI-assisted software development

• Automated financial and legal reporting

• Real-time business scenario simulation

Organisations that successfully integrate these models in a secure and responsible way will gain clear advantages in speed, innovation and efficiency.

2. Data Mesh and the democratisation of data access

By 2026, the Data Mesh paradigm will gain momentum, enabling different business domains to take ownership of their own data. This decentralised model ensures:

• Greater agility in data exploration

• Increased autonomy for business teams

• Scalability without compromising governance

The democratisation of data access will be a central trend, allowing data-driven decision-making to become widespread across organisations.

3. AI Agents as a new digital workforce

By 2026, AI Agents will emerge as digital collaborators capable of:

• Interacting with customers across omnichannel environments

• Executing administrative tasks autonomously

• Supporting human teams in areas such as HR, marketing, IT and operations

These agents are not designed to replace people, but to free up time so human teams can focus on creative and strategic work.

4. Data & AI with a strong focus on ethics and regulation

As AI adoption increases, so does the need for clear regulation. By 2026, we will see:

• The implementation of the European Union’s AI Act

• Greater transparency in algorithms

• Stronger practices around ethical responsibility and explainability

Organisations that fail to adapt risk regulatory penalties, reputational damage and loss of customer trust.

5. Cloud, Edge and real-time: the new data infrastructure

The evolution of cloud and edge computing will enable organisations, by 2026, to process and analyse data in real time:

• Industrial IoT with continuous monitoring

• Smart cities with dynamic energy and mobility management

• Financial services where risk is assessed at the moment of transaction

The future of data analytics will be ubiquitous, instantaneous and deeply integrated.

6. AI & Data as a competitive advantage in customer experience

Personalisation at scale will be one of the greatest competitive advantages in 2026. By combining data analytics, intelligent segmentation and predictive AI, organisations will be able to:

• Deliver personalised next best offers

• Create consistent omnichannel experiences

• Anticipate customer needs before they are explicitly expressed

Preparing today to lead in 2026

Data & AI trends for 2026 point to a future shaped by intelligent automation, data democratisation, digital agents and increasing regulatory demands.

Organisations that start investing today in data strategy, AI ethics and technological integration will be best positioned to lead the next cycle of digital transformation.