7 Bold Predictions for 2026

Data-powered Innovation Jam

What does the future of AI sound like? In this special year-end episode of Data-powered Innovation Jam, we riff on seven bold predictions for 2026, from security-first AI and multi-agent ecosystems to industry-native intelligence and even synthetic curiosity. Join hosts Ron Tolido and Robert Engels as they jam with thought leaders on trends that will reshape enterprises: vision-language-action models, human-centric skills, ethical recalibration, and more. Expect insights, metaphors, and a dash of rock-and-roll as we explore how data and AI will set the rhythm for the year ahead. Because in a world of code and control, there’s still room for improvisation.

Tune in and save the predictions to match how many actually come true in 2026

Time stamps

[ 00:30 ] - Ron and Robert talking about Matrix, Agent Smith and bass players

[ 04:21 ] - Introducing this special episode around looking in the crystal ball for 2026

[ 05:55 ] - Skynet: Sorry, You Must Stay Outside - Security takes the driver’s seat in AI innovation. By Arne Rossmann

[ 11:13 ] - Rise of the Enterprise VLAs - When AI stops reading and starts understanding the world. By Dinand Tinholt

[ 17:17 ] - The 2026 Mandate: Re-Centering Human Skills - Rediscovering what machines still can’t do. By Liz Henderson

[ 24:11 ] - The League of Autonomous Agents - When AI stops assisting and starts collaborating. By Monish Suri

[ 33:56 ] - Verticalization - From general-purpose AI to industry-native intelligence. By Yash Sowale

[ 38:28 ] - The Rise of Synthetic Curiosity: When AI stops answering and starts asking. By GPT-5