AI, quantum and clean tech investment trends 2026

AI, quantum and clean tech investment trends 2026

The investment landscape is undergoing a transformation as emerging technologies transition from experimental concepts to commercially viable opportunities.

Recent market developments highlight accelerating momentum across artificial intelligence infrastructure, quantum computing, renewable energy systems, and biotechnology platforms.

Meanwhile, quantum computing equities have experienced gains exceeding almost 1,900% over 2025. These developments signal a pivotal moment for investors seeking exposure to next-generation innovations that are reshaping global markets and economic structures, Plus500 reports.

TL;DR

• AI infrastructure spending by major technology firms is driving structural economic shifts, with the generative AI market projected to reach $400 billion by 2031
• The quantum computing sector has witnessed extraordinary growth, with specialist firms posting 1,900% in 2025 gains despite limited commercial applications
• Renewable energy additions reached record levels in 2024 at 858 terawatt-hours, with solar efficiency improvements to 25-30% through perovskite-silicon technology
• Gene therapy platforms are expanding from $2.18 billion (2024) to a projected $9.05 billion by 2034
• Green hydrogen economy attracts $2.5-$11.7 trillion in projected investment by 2050, though European projects face near-term commercial challenges

Artificial Intelligence: From Hype to Infrastructure Revolution

AI data centre expansion reshapes economic fundamentals

The AI infrastructure buildout represents one of the most substantial capital expenditure cycles in modern economic history. Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon are collectively investing tens of billions in data centre infrastructure, fundamentally altering U.S. economic growth patterns. Some analysts believe that AI infrastructure has emerged as "a new pillar of economic growth," with capital deployment creating measurable impacts on employment, industrial production, and regional development.

The generative AI market alone is forecast to expand from $59.01 billion in 2025 to $400 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 37.57%. This growth trajectory extends beyond software applications into physical infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, and power generation capacity specifically designed for AI workloads.

Market valuation concerns and profitability questions

Despite robust growth metrics, market observers are evaluating whether current AI valuations reflect sustainable business models or speculative excess. BlackRock's analysis addresses concerns about an AI bubble by examining three critical factors: real profits, capital efficiency, and mass adoption rates. The investment manager notes that, unlike previous technology bubbles, leading AI companies are generating substantial revenues and positive cash flows, though questions remain about the timeline for smaller AI-focused firms to achieve profitability.

Morningstar's November 2025 stock market outlook emphasises that "AI mega-caps drive valuation surge," suggesting that whilst large technology firms with diversified AI capabilities command premium valuations, investors should scrutinise which companies can "utilise AI to improve their products and services" rather than simply participate in AI-related marketing narratives.

Quantum Computing Stocks: 1,900% Gains and Investment Risks

Extraordinary market performance with limited commercial deployment

The quantum computing sector has experienced unprecedented investor enthusiasm, with Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum posting gains exceeding 1,900% over 12 months despite having "few real-world applications and not being close to generating a profit.” This disconnect between market performance and commercial readiness illustrates both the transformative potential of quantum technologies and the speculative nature of early-stage innovation markets.

Rigetti Computing announced in September 2025 that it secured purchase orders totaling approximately $5.7 million for two 9-qubit Novera quantum computing systems, representing tangible commercial traction albeit at modest scale. Meanwhile, Xanadu projects significant technological advances with up to 100,000 physical qubits and 1,000 logical qubits in development for fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.

Investment case and risk considerations

McKinsey projects the quantum computing market could exceed $100 billion in total value, driven by applications in drug discovery, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, financial modelling, and logistics optimization. A J.P. Morgan survey of 500 business leaders found that approximately three in five enterprises are exploring quantum opportunities, particularly in quantum AI applications.

However, the sector presents substantial risks. Current quantum systems remain extremely sensitive to environmental interference, require temperatures near absolute zero, and have yet to demonstrate "quantum advantage" for commercially relevant problems at scale. Investopedia characterises the recent market rally as driven by speculators rather than fundamental business performance, noting the absence of near-term profitability for pure-play quantum firms.

Renewable Energy Investments: Solar and Wind Market Growth 2025-2026

Solar and wind additions reach historic levels

Renewable energy capacity additions achieved unprecedented scale in 2024, with new installations contributing a record 858 terawatt-hours of useful energy output. Solar technologies incorporating perovskite-silicon cells have pushed conversion efficiencies to 25-30%, though deployment at a commercial scale remains in early stages.

The International Energy Agency's latest World Energy Outlook confirms that renewable energy, led by solar power, "will grow faster than any other major source in the next few years," driven by declining costs, policy support, and grid integration technologies. KPMG research indicates that 72% of investors are accelerating energy transition investments, with 64% focusing on energy efficiency and 56% on renewable energy systems.

Investment patterns and market dynamics

Despite renewable energy's growth trajectory, investment patterns remain complex. The same KPMG survey reveals that 75% of investors maintain positions in fossil fuel assets, reflecting diversification strategies and recognition that energy transition timelines extend over decades rather than years. Clean energy investments are projected to reach $2.2 trillion globally in 2025, though progress remains "mostly stuck in carbon capture, hydrogen fuels, and heavy industry" applications.

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Moreover, some sources suggest that maintaining current solar growth rates whilst "stepping up on wind" represents the critical challenge for meeting tripling targets established under international climate commitments.

Green Hydrogen Investment Outlook: $2.5-$11.7 trillion Market Opportunity

Trillion-dollar opportunity with commercial hurdles

The green hydrogen economy is attracting substantial long-term capital commitments, with projected cumulative investment between $2.5 trillion and $11.7 trillion by 2050. Plug Power reported third-quarter 2025 revenue of $177 million, "driven by continued strength in Plug's electrolyser business" and volume growth in hydrogen fuel sales.

The company has commenced installation of a 5-megawatt electrolyser system for H2 Hollandia, positioned to become the largest green hydrogen initiative in the Netherlands and marking Plug's first commercial electrolyser deployment in that market.

Reality check for European projects

Despite progress indicators, reports revealed that hydrogen developers in Europe are "reckoning with reality check," with nearly 18 gigawatts of renewables-powered electrolytic hydrogen production projects at advanced stages as of Q2 2025 facing economic and regulatory challenges. McKinsey's energy transition assessment confirms that hydrogen fuels remain among the technologies where "progress is mostly stuck," indicating significant technical and commercial obstacles to widespread adoption.

Biotechnology and Gene Therapy: Personalized Medicine Revolution

Market expansion and technology advances

The global gene therapy platform market was valued at $2.18 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to $9.05 billion by 2034, driven by "advancements in CRISPR and personalized medicine.” More specifically, the AAV (adeno-associated virus) gene therapy market was estimated at $2.75 billion in 2024 and is expanding at a 15.24% compound annual growth rate through 2034.

SNS Insider projects the gene therapy platform market will reach $7.50 billion by 2032, attributing growth to "rapid advances in CRISPR and viral vector technologies" that enable more precise genetic modifications for treating inherited disorders, certain cancers, and rare diseases.

Investment and development dynamics

The regenerative medicine sector more broadly is experiencing rapid demand growth "due to its personalized treatment approach, which provides more effective management of conditions" ranging from orthopaedic injuries to degenerative diseases. However, Bio-Techne's presentation at the UBS Global Healthcare Conference highlighted both opportunities and "hurdles" in navigating growth amid sector challenges.

Voyager Therapeutics' report indicates strategic prioritization decisions, noting that "investment in the SOD1-ALS gene therapy and anti-Aβ antibody gene therapy programs has been deprioritized to focus on the new discovery programs.” Such portfolio adjustments reflect the capital-intensive nature of biotechnology development and the need for focused resource allocation.

Investment Implications and Strategic Considerations

Emerging portfolio diversification patterns

Deloitte's 2026 investment management outlook identifies several structural shifts reshaping portfolio construction: "ETFs surge, hedge funds pivot, and private capital repositions as industry lines blur and product models evolve.” Schwab Asset Management's 2025 "ETFs and Beyond" study found that 62% of ETF investors "can envision putting their entire investment portfolios into ETFs," with half indicating such transitions could occur within five years.

World Finance Informs identifies "key trends shaping institutional investment strategies in 2025 include digital assets, private markets, AI innovation, and diversified portfolio approaches.” This convergence of traditional and emerging asset classes reflects institutional recognition that next-generation technologies require exposure across multiple investment vehicles and risk profiles.

Due diligence and risk management frameworks

Investors evaluating next-generation technology opportunities should consider several factors:

• Technology readiness levels: Distinguish between laboratory-stage innovations, pilot deployments, and commercially scalable solutions. Quantum computing and certain gene therapies remain in early commercial phases despite market enthusiasm.
• Revenue generation vs. addressable market: Evaluate whether companies demonstrate actual revenue growth or primarily present total addressable market projections. The disparity between quantum computing valuations and current revenues exemplifies this consideration.
• Capital requirements and burn rates: Next-generation technologies often require sustained capital investment before achieving profitability. Assess runway adequacy and financing access.
• Regulatory pathways: Gene therapies, hydrogen infrastructure, and AI applications face evolving regulatory frameworks that can significantly impact deployment timelines.
• Competitive positioning: Determine whether firms possess defensible intellectual property, strategic partnerships, or operational advantages that justify premium valuations.

Next-Gen Technology Investment Outlook: Key Takeaways

The convergence of artificial intelligence infrastructure, quantum computing advances, renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen development, and biotechnology breakthroughs creates a complex landscape for investors seeking exposure to next-generation innovations. Market data from November 2025 confirms substantial capital flows into these sectors, with the generative AI market alone projected to reach $400 billion by 2031 and clean energy investments exceeding $2.2 trillion in 2025.

However, extraordinary valuations in specific segments, particularly quantum computing's 1,900% gains and concerns about the formation of an AI bubble, necessitate rigorous due diligence and realistic assessments of commercialisation timelines. While solar and wind energy demonstrate proven deployment capabilities, hydrogen technologies and advanced biotechnology platforms remain in earlier development stages, despite having compelling long-term potential.

Investors should adopt diversified approaches across technology maturity stages, recognizing that revolutionary innovations typically require extended periods to achieve mainstream adoption and sustainable profitability. The distinction between transformative technological potential and investable commercial reality remains critical for portfolio construction in this dynamic environment.

This story was produced by Plus500 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.