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HCLSoftware's Tech Trends 2026: The Rise of AI Autonomy in Business

In January 2026, HCLSoftware released its highly anticipated report titled Tech Trends 2026. This extensive document, derived from eight months of rigorous research and insights from 173 business leaders, indicates that the adoption of autonomous intelligence is set to radically reshape the digital landscape of businesses. Rather than merely adopting new technologies, executives believe that leveraging autonomous AI will provide a significant competitive edge in their respective industries.

Key Findings

The report outlines several critical trends:

1. Global Focus on Autonomous AI Systems: 76% of executives are prioritizing autonomous systems and AI agents, with 81% reporting ongoing or upcoming pilot initiatives in their organizations. However, 25% of organizations recognize a gap in governance that needs addressing to realize the full potential of these systems.

2. Low-Code/No-Code Development: An overwhelming 84% of respondents anticipate that AI-driven Low-Code/No-Code platforms will reach their maximum capability within the next 18 months. Concurrently, the Service-as-Software™ (SaS) model is rapidly disrupting traditional Software as a Service (SaaS).

3. Shift in Ethical Governance: Companies are moving from IT silos to boardroom conversations surrounding ethics and infrastructure. A notable 79% of executives report that responsible AI frameworks are being implemented, with 88% assessing their readiness for post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Furthermore, 60% anticipate being prepared for 6G networks in the next three years.

Importance of AI Autonomy

As AI transitions from a supportive role to that of an autonomous agent, business systems are increasingly capable of initiating, executing, and completing tasks independently. This shift toward autonomy may lead to a new operational model termed the “autonomous enterprise.” In this context, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic necessity, ensuring that organizations can scale globally while adhering to regional compliance, protecting data integrity, and fostering stakeholder trust.

Companies that weave governance into their foundational designs will build their autonomy confidently, whereas those that do not risk fragmented operations and diminishing accountability. The Tech Trends 2026 report posits that the primary challenge lies not in deploying autonomy but in designing it—integrated into experience, data, and operations—thereby making autonomy a reliable property of the system rather than a collection of disconnected features.

HCLSoftware's XDO plan (Experience, Data, and Operations) offers a unifying perspective aimed at creating intelligent yet governed systems—autonomous yet accountable, scalable yet sovereign.

Leadership Insights

According to Kalyan Kumar, Chief Product Officer at HCLSoftware, “Businesses will be defined not solely by their designs but by what they enable technology to decide, adapt, and govern on their behalf. The next 24 to 36 months will belong to leaders who can transform intelligence into a living operational model—autonomous by default, resilient at scale, and sovereign by design.” He adds that as AI agents shorten decision-making cycles, every aspect of business infrastructure is undergoing a rewrite, from self-developing software to networks that facilitate coordination.

Trend Indicators for 2026

The report highlights several pivotal trends that will shape the future of businesses:

• - Autonomous Ecosystems: 2026 is poised to be a watershed year for AI, enabling systems to autonomously initiate and complete tasks, forming the operational core of autonomous businesses.
• - Next-Generation Software: The convergence of generative AI and Low-Code solutions will create autonomous software capable of dynamic evolution—key for agile and autonomous architectures.
• - Quantum Security: Transitioning to quantum-resistant architectures, with 27% of organizations already piloting PQC projects, is essential for ensuring the security and continuity of AI-driven operations.
• - Detection-Capable Networks: Initiatives like Low Earth Orbit satellites and early tests for 6G will facilitate AI-centric connectivity, providing real-time data and necessary responsiveness for autonomous agents and business functions.

Future Outlook

Looking towards 2030, HCLSoftware's trend matrix provides insights into how today’s technologies will coalesce into future initiatives that will define industries, catalyzing the transition from isolated pilots to integrated systems and enterprise-wide operating models. Leaders are encouraged to build governance, talent, and architectural foundations now to ensure that autonomy and orchestration can scale without compromising control or trust.

In conclusion, as autonomous businesses take shape, a continuous reassessment of operational models will be critical, ensuring organizations remain not just relevant but competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

For the complete report, visit HCLSoftware’s official website.