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Artificial Intelligence
Immersive Technologies
Data Management
Digital Trust
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Quantum Technologies
Wildcards
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Tech Trends 2026 is produced by
SURF
Pre-mature tech trends
Artificial Intelligence
Changing dynamics in Responsible AI
From large to small language models
Immersive Technologies
AR and smart glasses become more prominent
Increasing AI-enhanced user experience
Growing big tech competition for the XR stack
Data Management
Increased application of FAIR principles to enable digital ecosystems in Europe
Growing relevance of TRUST principles for data repositories to secure data
Digital Trust
More decentralisation of data ownership enabled by SSI solutions
Emergence of organisational wallets
Push for transparent supply chains with digital product passports
Cloud Computing
Bringing computing resources closer to the ‘edge’
Growing need for automated cloud and edge resource management
Computing
Growing emphasis on neuromorphic (brain-inspired) computing
Integrating photonics for accelerated information processing
Connectivity
The battle for airwaves
AI/Ops, digital twinning and the emergence of the LLM in network operations
Power usage and ecological footprint
Quantum Technologies
From ad hoc experiments to applications
Towards Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC)
Wildcards
Cyber-physical technology calls for resilient minds
A growing urge for chip sovereignty in Europe