Tech industry enters a hyper-velocity AI moment, unlocking new opportunities for 2026 

• Enterprise-wide AI value creation, next-generation agentic ecosystems and a focus on outcome-based models emerge as top priorities 
• Opportunistic transactions, sovereignty-by-default and borderless talent strategies drive new AI-first operating models 
• New technical roles, such as forward deployed engineers, and focus on AI ROI will be critical for success in 2026

The technology sector is accelerating into 2026, propelled by a hyper-velocity artificial intelligence (AI) moment that is redefining competitive advantage. According to the annual EY Top 10 Opportunities for Technology Companies in 2026, the pace of AI innovation and adoption is driving companies to act with urgency to position themselves for the next wave of transformation. Executives are shifting to operationalize AI-native strategies that help to ensure safe and reliable practices while capturing value through agentic-driven solutions. 

The top 10 opportunities for technology companies to take advantage of in 2026 are:  

• Scale faster with M&A and joint venture (JV) ecosystem plays in this hyper-velocity AI moment 
• Design for agentic interoperability and physical AI 
• Empower functional leaders to operationalize safe, reliable AI — especially as deployments mature and scale 
• Rethink commercial strategy for the agentic era 
• Optimize for flexibility in model selection 
• Design sovereignty by default and run a borderless talent model 
• Deploy embedded technical specialists to navigate AI platform complexity 
• Rethink your tax strategy for the digital infrastructure and AI era 
• Institutionalize AI FinOps to make finance the ROI engine 
• Redefine enterprise security for AI, identity and nation-state threats 

Velocity will be the defining factor of success in 2026. The lightning-fast pace of AI innovation makes it the top priority for how companies scale and capture advantage. Organizations that move fast — without sacrificing interoperability or governance — will be better positioned to seize winner-take-most scenarios. 

Joongshik Wang, EY Asean Technology, Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications Leader, says: 

“Technology companies in Southeast Asia face a more complex landscape: uneven digital readiness, fragmented regulations, infrastructure gaps, as well as limited access to AI capabilities and talent. In 2026, success will go to those who can navigate these constraints while deploying AI and other innovations effectively and securely, as well as translating them into commercially viable outcomes. Leaders can win by making concrete moves such as pursuing targeted joint ventures, embedding sovereignty by design, and building platforms that support agentic interoperability and physical AI at the edge.” 

By embedding governance and aligning incentives across their ecosystems and partnerships, companies will build resilient, adaptive systems that deliver differentiated value and maintain the agility to thrive amid rapidly evolving geopolitical, regulatory and technological landscapes. 

The full article with the top 10 opportunities can befound here.

-ends-

About EY

Notes to editors

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. 

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.  

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. 

All in to shape the future with confidence.  

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. 

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. 

About Top Ten Opportunities for Technology Companies in 2026 

In compiling the annual Top 10 Opportunities for Technology Companies in 2026,, a balanced view has been provided of the potential actions for tech companies across various growth and operational improvement opportunities. This year’s article features an analysis of desk research that was then supplemented with additional insights and recommendations from EY global technology partners and tech industry specialists. 

EYG no. 001038-26Gbl