Artificial Intelligence in 2025: A Critical and Projected Look Toward 2026
This article chronologically reviews the most significant milestones of the year, the new technologies that emerged, key strategic alliances, and what we can expect for 2026.
1. First months of 2025: Consolidation and global expansion
1.1 Global summit for action on AI
In February 2025, the AI Action Summit was held in Paris, co-hosted by France and India. More than 1,000 participants from over 100 countries gathered to discuss regulation, responsible models, and the governance of AI.
This event marked a turning point: it boosted public and private investment, such as the InvestAI initiative, which plans to mobilize nearly €200 billion to strengthen AI development in Europe.
1.2 Ethical regulation and responsibility
During 2025, the regulatory conversation intensified. In particular, the European Union took a concrete step by implementing AI regulations that incorporate principles of transparency, security, and classification of systems according to their risk. Many companies, including Google, Microsoft, IBM, and OpenAI, have already signed this code of good practice.
2. Technological advances: Smarter models and autonomous agents
2.1 Multimodal AI as the new standard
One of the most stable trends in 2025 has been the advancement of multimodal AI, capable of processing text, images, audio, and even video with a single model. This means that companies can more easily extract value from a wide variety of data sources.
2.2 Evolution towards Agentic AI
Agentic AI, considered the next big step after generative AI, is already beginning to gain ground. These agents are capable of reasoning, acting autonomously, and making complex decisions. A recent study shows clear business interest: many organizations project returns of over 100% with these agents in the coming years.
In addition, recent academic work has explored the challenges and opportunities of moving from GenAI (generative AI) to Agentic AI, highlighting how agents can overcome current limitations.
2.3 New generative models and advanced reasoning
In 2025, the adoption of large, specialized models was consolidated. Reports from the AI Index 2025 were also published, showing key trends in AI hardware, inference costs, and responsible adoption by companies.
For example, DeepMind unveiled new models such as Gemini Robotics, designed for physical environments, demonstrating that AI is no longer just virtual, but also robotic.
3. Trade, investments, and strategic alliances
3.1 Fresh capital for AI
The AI ecosystem is not only growing technically, but also financially. According to GlobalX, enterprise AI is generating revenue for multiple players, from consulting firms to chip manufacturers.
Mergers and acquisitions activity has also intensified: hardware and software companies are consolidating their AI capabilities to lead the next digital wave.
3.2 Major corporate alliances
Nvidia, a leader in AI processing, has signed strategic collaborations with major players such as Oracle, Uber, and OpenAI, which will power AI supercomputers and solutions for sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
Meanwhile, new startups have also burst onto the scene: for example, DefAgent, founded in 2025, is developing AI systems for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure scenarios.
4. Challenges and ethics: Toward more responsible use
4.1 Carbon footprint and sustainability
With the explosive growth of AI, a necessary debate arose: what is its environmental impact? In 2025, many voices began to call for greener AI.
In particular, it was noted that generative AI consumes large amounts of energy, forcing us to reimagine more efficient models, both in terms of consumption and in model construction and deployment.
4.2 Global regulation and governance
Beyond the European framework, a consensus emerged that secure AI must be regulated at the global level. The Paris summit not only generated investment commitments, but also commitments to responsibility: governments and companies adopted principles for ethical development.
In addition, recent studies warn of users' “emotional attachment” to advanced models, raising new questions about regulation and governance.
5. Looking ahead to 2026: Trends that will define the coming year
5.1 More intimate and private generative AI
According to analysts, in 2026 we will see a boom in generative models that emphasize privacy, processing data directly on local devices to reduce risks.
This will mean a major change for companies that handle sensitive information.
5.2 Autonomous agents in action
Intelligent agents or “agentic” agents are projected to become even more widely adopted, with AI capable of negotiating, automating business tasks, and operating independently in enterprise environments.
5.3 Intelligent robots and cognitive robotics
Developments such as DeepMind's robotic models may converge with industrial robotics. More companies are expected to integrate robots that not only perform mechanical actions but also perform AI-based reasoning.
5.4 Sustainability as a priority
Green AI will be key: more efficient models, use of renewable sources for data centers, and the design of energy-conscious algorithms.
5.5 Mature global regulation
Following in the footsteps of Europe, more regions—such as Latin America and Asia—are expected to adopt AI regulations with clear guidelines on security, rights, and responsible use.
2025 as a year of consolidation and 2026 as a year of action
2025 emerged as a year of technological maturity for AI: not only did models and agents grow, but so did investment and ethical awareness.
However, the most exciting developments are yet to come: in 2026, we will see AI that is even more integrated, more autonomous, more sustainable, and more regulated.
At T&M Consulting, we believe in the transformative power of AI, but also in its responsibility.
We accompany you on this journey: from strategic adoption to ethical implementation, so that your company not only takes advantage of AI, but does so with purpose.
