Deloitte leaders on the tech shifts that will define 2026A data centre investment boom, redefined user experiences, realising trust is more than humans in the loop and that understanding AI tools are not enough.Deloitte TeamOrganisations that reimagine work and manage AI adoption well will dominateGift this article4 min read12:00AMDecember 16, 2025.Updated 11:56AMDecember 16, 2025The launch of Australia’s National Artificial Intelligence plan has helped increase confidence in enterprise AI adoption and is fuelling new demand for investment in critical AI infrastructure.It’s time for Australian business and government to move ourselves up the order in the global AI race. Deloitte’s technology leaders give their predictions of the tech shifts that will define 2026. These include a data centre investment boom, redefined user experience, a realisation that trust is more than humans in the loop and that AI tools on their own are not enough. All this as the economic costs of AI become clearer. David Alonso, National AI Market LeadDavid Alonso, National AI Market LeadReflecting on 2025, David Alonso notes the year started with incremental investments and an appetite for scale but towards the end of 2025 there was notable investment in data centres.“Australia is uniquely placed to become an ideal destination for sustainable data centre operations, and we expect to see an investment boom in 2026. “We must act quickly to leverage our strengths to become a net exporter of intelligence and clean computation globally as hyperscalers and frontier model developers look to Australia as a favourable destination to build data centres.“We need to act with urgency, collaboration and co-ordination, to seize the opportunity to deliver world-class AI solutions to markets seeking reliable and sustainable compute services. By doing so, our AI industry will become a new source of national economic strength.”Stu Scotis, Global Agentic AI LeaderStu Scotis, Global Agentic AI Leader Stu Scotis predicts that 2026 will be the year organisations shift from piloting agentic AI to actively managing its economic impact.“AI is evolving faster than organisations can adopt it, and token consumption is growing rapidly. Leaders who link AI ambitions to a clear economic strategy will scale sustainably” he says. Cost awareness is now central. Organisations are scaling the digital workforce through agents but this workforce is not free – they get paid in tokens. “Every interaction with agentic AI consumes tokens. Organisations that manage consumption, understand cost drivers and make thoughtful choices about where AI operates will capture much greater ROI.”In addition, real scale will require organisations to fundamentally rethink work and task allocation between the human and digital workforce with AI and agentic AI at the centre. Organisations that re-imagine work and manage adoption well will dominate. Critical in this is ensuring the human workforce is on the journey, valued, and confident in their future.Elea Wurth, Trustworthy AI LeaderElea Wurth, Trustworthy AI Leader Elea Wurth’s learning from 2025 is that human-in-the-loop decision-making is vital but not enough. “Humans will always remain accountable for the outcomes of AI. But AI has already out-scaled traditional ‘human-in-the-loop’ oversight models. “To fully unlock the benefits of intelligent systems, we must redesign how humans and machines work together, ensuring people are skilled and empowered to execute their responsibilities, and ensuring AI is truly fit-for-purpose and risk-aligned to fully unlock the benefits that AI can deliver.”Elea points to the opportunities that trustworthy AI brings. “We know that strong AI governance is not a barrier. It is a critical driver of successful AI implementation. “Organisations with mature governance don’t just manage risk more effectively; they build trust, accelerate adoption, and realise the commercial advantages of AI, faster and more sustainably.” Peter Corbett, Telecommunications, Media and Technology Lead PartnerPeter Corbett, Telecommunications, Media and Technology Lead PartnerWith AI Usage now part of everyday internet use with features like AI mode, Pete Corbett expects 2026 will reshape search, user interfaces, workflows and online shopping experiences. “The front door of the internet, apps and retail websites are starting to change. This will fundamentally redefine search interfaces and workflows across the consumer lifecycle.“2026 will expose the gap between evaluation and execution. The winners will be those who turn pilots into production-grade capability as they extend their lead over organisations stuck in experimentation.” Andrea Culligan, Strategy, Innovation and Ventures PartnerAndrea Culligan predicts a mindset shift in 2026 will become a key differentiator as organisations focus less on possibility and more on practicality. “Clients want to know what’s real, what’s scalable, what returns to expect and what drives the competitive edge. “But as an innovation leader, I know that innovation alone is not enough. Organisations need to move from innovation at the edge to driving sustainable value across the business. Andrea Culligan, Strategy, Innovation and Ventures Partner“Providing AI tools alone is also not enough. While tools allow teams to experiment and innovate, it is the systems put around AI that will enable organisations to drive real quality and sustainable value.”Andrea’s key takeaway from 2025 is focus. “When everything is moving fast, you can’t chase every shiny tool. Focus matters. Winners choose the right functions to transform with AI, know how to manage risks, drive adoption and let go of the rest.”   -DisclaimerThis publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.  Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication. About DeloitteDeloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see www.deloitte.com/au to learn more.Copyright © 2025 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. -More CoverageOur generational opportunity to claim leadership role in the AI eraJames AllanHow Australia’s tech sector is redefining its own growthJosh Tanchel and Bec McConnochieGen Z is dictating the media’s future: here’s what you need to knowPeter Corbett, Thom GrevingJoin the conversationAdd your comment to this storyTo join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? RegisterJoin the conversation, you are commenting as Logout