Five technological forces shaping business in 2026

January 6, 2026 3 min read

Globant’s latest report reveals how AI and advanced robotics will transform the way companies operate and compete in 2026.

Table of Contents

Has artificial intelligence shifted from promise to strategic decision?

Five technological forces anticipate how the future of business will be defined in 2026.

In a context where many organizations are still striving to translate innovation into tangible outcomes, artificial intelligence is beginning to mark a critical human and strategic turning point: the transition from experimentation to decisions that transform businesses, jobs, and security models.

This transition is the focus of Globant’s new report, “Tech Trends 2026: 5 Forces Shaping the Future”, which examines the maturity of AI in the business landscape.

The report argues that by 2026, business growth will no longer be driven solely by advanced automation but by the adoption of next-generation, integrated technologies that serve as strategic platforms for transformation. AI is moving from a peripheral role to becoming a core component of organizational strategy.

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According to MIT’s The GenAI Divide, State of AI in Business 2025, most AI pilots still fail to scale, revealing a persistent gap between experimentation and organizational readiness.

Globant’s report emphasizes that this scenario is part of a natural evolution toward AI maturity: it is no longer a superficial trend but a driver of structural transformation requiring cultural shifts, governance frameworks, and clear adoption strategies. Companies that have advanced in this direction are already observing measurable impacts.

This moment represents a pivotal reset for enterprise AI. Within this framework, the report identifies five trends that will define the next digital era:

1. Agentic AI: From Hype to Tangible Value

Agentic AI is moving beyond the role of a passive assistant to autonomous systems capable of generating measurable returns.

In retail, for example, Globant Enterprise AI 2.3 and the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) enable agents to recommend products, personalize offers, and complete secure transactions through natural conversations.

By integrating data from POS systems, CRM platforms, inventories, and market trends, these solutions transform every interaction into conversion and long-term customer loyalty.

2. Quantum Communication: Security at Quantum Speed

Quantum communication is emerging as a short-term disruptor for which companies must begin preparing.

Through quantum encryption and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), it enables ultra-secure data exchanges. According to Hyperion Research, by 2026, 18% of global revenues from quantum algorithms will come from AI applications, driving advances in processing, optimization, and quantum-secure networks.

3. Advanced Robotics and the Rise of AI-Powered Machines

Advanced robotics is no longer confined to warehouses and is expanding into sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and smart infrastructure.

With a global market projected to reach nearly USD 280 billion by 2034, according to Precedence Research, companies are investing in systems that learn from their environment, adapt in real time, and collaborate safely with humans.

4. Ambient Intelligence: The Era of Invisible Technology

Ambient intelligence seeks to remove friction between humans and technology. Powered by predictive AI and edge computing, these systems anticipate user needs and respond contextually, redefining efficiency and experience across environments.

5. AI-Driven Cybersecurity

The rise of cybercrime presents growing challenges. Organizations already leveraging AI for detection and response save an average of USD 1.9 million per breach, according to IBM (2025).

However, 97% of companies have experienced AI-related security incidents due to insufficient access controls.

Facing attackers who use AI to automate exploits and generate deepfakes, organizations are shifting toward predictive, AI-based defenses.

Diego Tártara, Global CTO at Globant, states:

“2026 will be another year in which companies across industries accelerate their transformation journeys. Over the past two years, AI dominated every conversation, but now it is evolving toward real, tangible change. Leaders can either pause or act — and those who act will set the pace for the next decade. We expect that the key trends presented in this new Tech Trends report will serve as a clear guide for decision-makers navigating what lies ahead.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the report concludes that companies will need to deepen operational strategies if they aim to shape the next decade of digital transformation.

The challenge will not only be technological but organizational: integrating AI seamlessly and across all levels of the company and making it an essential part of daily operations.

The full report is available at: https://reports.globant.com/en/trends/tech-trends-report-2026/