Juniper Research has unveiled its influential "Top 10 Emerging Tech Trends for 2026," identifying pivotal technologies that are poised to reshape enterprise strategies in the coming year. This report emphasises technologies with credible paths to deployment, steering clear of the hype that often clouds these innovations.
The research highlights ten emerging trends, ranging from post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to physical AI, each backed by in-depth market evidence. According to the report, the focus on these technologies stems from increased demand for secure and efficient systems across various sectors, driven by rapid digital transformation.
PQC has been pinpointed as a priority, especially as enterprises prepare for the potential threats posed by quantum computing. NIST is expected to finalise PQC standards in 2026, which will catalyse the adoption of hybrid deployment models that integrate both traditional and quantum encryption methods. Molly Gatford, Senior Research Analyst at Juniper Research, noted, “Standardisation will foster confidence in PQC technologies, allowing organisations to safeguard their data against future quantum threats.”
Neuromorphic computing is also set to gain traction, with expectations for commercial chipsets to emerge in 2026, aimed at overcoming current bottlenecks in AI processing. This technology mimics the functions of the human brain, promising to significantly enhance energy efficiency in AI applications.
Similarly, physical AI is anticipated to achieve substantial advancements in humanoid robotics, motivated by sophisticated AI models that facilitate complex interactions in real-world environments. These developments could lead to increased operational efficiency across various industries.
Companies are also turning to multi-agent systems that deploy specific AI agents tailored to streamline business operations, improving accuracy and efficiency. This trend reflects the growing digitalisation of enterprise functions.
A notable entry, wireless EV charging, aims to relieve challenges associated with electric vehicle adoption by providing innovative charging solutions, thus potentially accelerating mass adoption. This aligns with the broader push towards environmentally sustainable technologies.
Counter-drone technology reflects increasing security concerns as drones become more prevalent in both civilian and military contexts. The report anticipates significant investment in detection and neutralisation technologies to address these emerging threats.
Furthermore, rising interest in microfluidics as a cooling mechanism for AI chips meets the growing energy demands of data centres, while small modular reactors (SMRs) are expected to revolutionise energy production with regulatory support facilitating their adoption.
Lastly, the report highlights the rapid growth of open-source smart buildings, which enhances interoperability and energy efficiency in response to rising environmental demands and operational complexity.
As Gatford succinctly puts it, “The challenge for enterprises in 2026 will be how quickly they can adopt these technologies without increasing risk or complexity.”
