ARE YOU READY FOR 2026?

A sneak peek into the coming year's tech trends can help you spot the opportunities and threats, and plan for success...

- By JANANI G. VIKRAM

The forecasts are rolling out, and 2026 looks set to be another year headlined by AI. However, it is also clear that AI cannot continue its run without more processing power, reliable telecommunication, sustainability initiatives, renewable energy, and other supporting enablers. As a result, we are also going to see every tech sector upping its game in the coming year. Here is our take on the likely technology trends of 2026, based on research reports from trusted sources like Gartner, McKinsey, and Deloitte, alongside expert opinions shared through EFY magazine and industry conferences.

Artificial intelligence – more real than it sounds

The focus is shifting from text-based large language models (LLMs), which function like conversational search engines, to AI agents that can understand, plan, decide, collaborate, and execute tasks autonomously! Deloitte predicts that the autonomous AI agent market could reach $8.5 billion by 2026 and $35 billion by 2030.

Using disparate AI models for varied functions often increases complexity, botches up customer experience, and slows AI adoption among mid-sized organisations. With the emergence of data platforms (data productisation) and open frameworks like the model concept protocol, models and agents are now able to safely and seamlessly access shared context and metadata across APIs, products, and applications. This trend will continue into 2026.

We see many open-weight AI models emerging – there will be more in the coming year. Organisations will lean towards open, composable AI frameworks, to prevent vendor lock-in, and improve fit, flexibility, and scalability.

Domain-specific language models, which are trained for a particular industry or function, are likely to be a major trend in 2026. These models are small and economical, yet more accurate and effective, because they are an expert in one, rather than a jack of all trades.