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Wipro Tech Trends 2026

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The quest for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is prompting a fundamental rethinking of every layer of the AI value chain including energy, advanced computer chips, infrastructure, models and applications. AI technology leaders and governments alike are making significant investments in sovereign AI and space-based data centres. In addition, rapid advances in robotics and embodied AI, Distributed Ledger Technologies, and Quantum Technology - each increasingly augmented by AI are reshaping the innovation landscape, creating a starburst of new opportunities.

Notably, global enterprises are demonstrating greater readiness for rapid, large-scale deployment of these technologies. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are also taking the lead, investing in infrastructure development and framing regulations that balance the imperative for innovation while safeguarding the interests of humanity and our planetary resources.

This report outlines seven pivotal trends that will transform the human experience creating a world augmented by intelligent, mission-oriented, autonomous, and pervasive technologies. These shifts will reshape our mental models of the world and even our purpose. In response, enterprises will rewire their DNA to reimagine business and redefine business value in a new world where humans and machines become inseparable systems, shaping a new way of life.

1. Agentic AI will actuate the autonomous enterprise

Enterprises are increasingly moving from experimental projects involving Agentic AI to deploying pragmatic, enterprise-wide strategies that emphasize tangible business value. Global enterprises continue to charter the course of agentic autonomy in value streams, while negotiating head winds due to technology debt, data readiness, data privacy, integration, and workforce transformation. AI infusion in 2026 will see an upsurge of “collaborating agents" managing complex functions like IT, HR, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Legal, Procurement, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management and Commerce. As AI gains more agency and autonomy, the role of the human is elevated to human-centric steering, strategic direction, and governance.

2. Embodied AI will unlock the physical economy

AI will be integrated into a variety of forms, including humanoid robots, quadrupeds, vehicles, and other types of machines or devices. Embodied AI will evolve from isolated units to intelligent ecosystems integrated by an “AI mesh”. This will bring highly autonomous services, elevating human experience and improving workflow efficiencies in complex or hazardous industry environments. Spatial awareness will drive adoption in sectors like healthcare, energy, manufacturing, utilities, mobility and logistics.

3. Digital Twin and AI will transform operations

The combination of Digital Twins (DTs) and AI will help enterprises to create intelligent virtual models that simulate, predict, and optimize physical assets and processes in real time. This will present major advantages in preventive maintenance, operations, product design and testing, real-time monitoring and resource optimization. Digital Twins enabled by AI will help decision-makers learn from vast data and real-world simulations, making businesses more agile and innovative.

4. Domain-Native AI will drive deep vertical mastery

We will witness an increased focus on specialized, "industry or domain-native" models over general-purpose models. Domain-native models will be trained on specialized datasets specific to an industry or domain context. Contextually relevant intelligence around ontology, risk control, safety and regulatory compliance will become a part of solution design rather than an afterthought. Smaller models will focus on narrow areas and offer deep expertise with improved accuracy. They will also be more cost-effective and less resource-intensive.

5. Programmable money will become the new economic engine

Distributed Ledger Technologies provide the foundational infrastructure for transparent immutable record keeping without a central authority. Regulatory clarity and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) will provide a trusted settlement backbone, enabling enterprise-grade decentralized finance (DeFi). Autonomous lending protocols, tokenized bonds, and 24/7 automated settlement will define a new, hyper-efficient global capital architecture. Stablecoins and asset tokenization will operate on the technology and regulatory foundation enabling faster finance in cross border payments, supply chain and digital asset management.

6. Quantum Technology will mark the birth of new era

Breakthroughs in quantum technology present significant opportunities in addressing multivariate problems which are too complex for traditional computers to solve. For example, protein folding and drug toxicity testing in Pharma and Lifesciences, fraud detection and risk modelling in Financial Services, and Material discovery and design in Materials Science.  Technology-forward enterprises have begun using Quantum Computing as a Service to achieve quantum advantage. Quantum Computing also presents the unprecedented threat to traditional encryption algorithms and digital signatures. New quantum-safe algorithms are being standardized by organizations like NIST. This will allow enterprises to undertake quantum risk assessments and transition to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

7. Workforce readiness will be a
C-Suite survival metric

Although workforce readiness is not a technology trend itself, it’s essential for making the most of advances in frontier technology. Signs of high-potential talent include regularly earning micro-credentials, applying new abilities to solve problems, consistently exercising sound judgment, taking initiative, and showing a humble eagerness to learn. A workplace culture that encourages ongoing learning, creativity, collaboration, and effective use of intelligent machines offers a powerful competitive edge in an age of constant technological change. As these advanced technologies become central to business operations, managing organizational change will increasingly be a core responsibility for every leader.

The rapid evolution of Agentic AI, embodied AI, digital twins, domain-native models, programmable money, and quantum technologies demands faster cycles of strategic decision making, action and learning. C-suite leaders must demonstrate a bias for action and set the pace for transformation. Organisations that foster a culture of innovation and adaptive agility, will thrive in a future shaped by human-technology collaboration.

About the Authors

Varun Dube

Varun Dube is the VP and Head of Tech Strategy and Innovation at Wipro. He is a seasoned technology consultant, advising CXOs on transformative business outcomes. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies and their potential to disrupt industries, Varun drives innovation and digital transformation for Wipro’s clients. His expertise in crafting and executing technology strategies, combined with his focus on emerging tech and co-innovation, helps organizations achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Sandhya Arun

Sandhya Arun is the Chief Technology Officer at Wipro. She has led key initiatives in digital transformation and AI, supporting client success and business growth. Sandhya has extensively published and presented her insights on experience design, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in various industry and expert fora. Sandhya emphasizes leveraging emerging technologies for societal benefit and leads the Women in Tech initiative. Her 30-year career spans roles in Technology Consulting, Cloud and Engineering Transformation, Digital Commerce and Marketing, and Human-Centric Design.

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