These are the technology trends that will shape 2026: from agentic AI and blockchain to 6G connectivity

Madrid, January 13, 2025  –  The year 2025 was marked by the acceleration of generative artificial intelligence, the initial adoption of hybrid infrastructures, and the rise of automation in critical processes. However, many organizations continued to operate in an experimental environment, launching proof-of-concept initiatives without yet having a clear understanding of the returns they would deliver.

In 2026, the focus will shift toward more pragmatic and structured implementation, now that agentic AI has proven to be a true ally. Robotic automation will move toward collaborative environments, and technologies such as blockchain, 6G connectivity, and post-quantum cybersecurity will reach a level of maturity that will enable real and measurable use.

In this context, experts at VASS, a Spanish technology consulting firm with 4,600 employees and operations in 24 countries, have identified the main technology trends for 2026:

1. Agentic AI: from experimentation to value creation.     Agentic artificial intelligence will make the leap to real adoption, becoming integrated for the first time into critical organizational processes. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2028 at least 15% of daily workplace tasks will be performed autonomously. In addition, data teams will increase their productivity by approximately 25% thanks to autonomous agents capable of discovering, cleansing, and analyzing information independently.
2. A focus on data governance for AI.  Forrester indicates that in 2026 a significant percentage of large enterprises will appoint specific roles dedicated exclusively to maintaining AI governance. This concept encompasses the policies, processes, and controls that ensure data quality, traceability, security, and ethical use. Its relevance is critical: without strong governance, AI amplifies legal, reputational, and operational risks, while well-defined governance enables organizations to scale adoption with confidence, comply with regulations, and ensure more reliable, business-aligned decision-making.
3. A new industrial revolution? Collaborative robotics and microfactories Automation will cease to be a rigid system and instead become an adaptive environment. The key advancement is collaborative robotics, in which machines work alongside human personnel to improve production. Thanks to AI, robots will be able to understand natural language instructions and correct their own errors, greatly simplifying deployment. At the same time, the rise of microfactories will enable more agile manufacturing, closer to customers and fully customized.
4. The future of payments: AI and biometric security.  Artificial intelligence and biometrics are redefining financial transactions through two distinct approaches: in the professional (B2B) sphere, payment flows will be automated through AI agents capable of negotiating and authenticating transactions autonomously. For end consumers, AI adoption will be more gradual due to trust considerations, so innovation will focus on security. The use of advanced biometrics and direct payments via QR codes aims to eliminate intermediaries and reduce fraud risk.
5. Data infrastructure with a multicloud approach.   Organizations will manage workloads across hybrid environments (public clouds, private clouds, on‑premise, or edge) to optimize costs and maximize flexibility. Infrastructures will need to scale dynamically and support multiple platforms to achieve cost reductions. Technologies such as AIOps, generative AI, IoT, edge computing, and infrastructure as code will play a key role in ensuring the resilience and operational efficiency of these new infrastructures.
6. Security against disinformation and Zero Trust.  Cybersecurity challenges will extend beyond cybercriminals. According to Gartner, by 2028 50% of companies will use some form of specialized product or service to combat disinformation. In addition, security experts will need to continue developing post‑quantum security (PQS), meaning methods to counter the potential risks posed by quantum computers. The adoption of Zero Trust principles (trust no user or device by default) will also become widespread, ensuring a more robust security model adapted to the complexity of the new digital ecosystem.
7. Blockchain: greater maturity and practical applications.  Blockchain will leave behind its speculative phase and focus on real business use cases. Its application will consolidate in the management of digital assets and payment processes, exploring the use of stablecoins and blockchain‑to‑blockchain transfers as an alternative to traditional financial infrastructure.
8. 6G connectivity and autonomous networks.  Connectivity will take a qualitative leap with the gradual introduction of 6G technologies, which will deliver advanced sustainability capabilities. Networks will integrate artificial intelligence for autonomous management, optimizing resources and reducing operating costs, enabling a more efficient ecosystem prepared to support critical applications.
9. Marketing personalization powered by AI.  Generative AI will become the standard for delivering personalized experiences and optimizing operational processes. In commerce, brands will create conversational ecosystems that integrate purchasing, promotions, and customer service. This technology will be key to improving efficiency and strengthening customer relationships. For example, when personalizing a product using generative AI, it will be combined with agentic AI so that it can also make decisions and act in the best interest of the business.

Ultimately, the business fabric is facing a maturation process that must go beyond the immediate adoption of any given technology. An organization’s success and progress in digital transformation will depend on its ability to balance the development of disruptive capabilities with sustained investment — an essential combination to ensure long-term return on investment.