AI Standout Listed Companies in 2026

Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed the explosion of AI and how it has benefited our lives. Let’s would examine some ASX stocks involved with AI, including who they are and how they have performed.

As of mid-2025, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) offers several promising opportunities for investors seeking exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) through both individual stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Below is a list of top ASX-listed AI stocks and ETFs that have demonstrated notable growth and are poised for continued performance into 2026.

Who are the leading ASX AI Stocks for 2026

These companies are at the forefront of AI innovation and infrastructure:

1. NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) Operates Australia’s leading network of secure, high-performance data centers and interconnect hubs supporting enterprises and cloud providers.
2. Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) Provides on-demand, scalable software-defined networking for direct connectivity between data centers, cloud services, and enterprise networks.
3. Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) Delivers global data collection, annotation, and evaluation services to train and improve machine learning and AI systems.
4. Artrya Ltd (ASX: AYA) Develops AI-driven diagnostic software (Salix) for enhanced detection and assessment of coronary artery disease using CT imaging.
5. Adisyn Ltd (ASX: AI1) Offers managed IT services while advancing graphene-based semiconductor technologies for AI, telecom, and data storage applications.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NEXTDC is Australia’s leading independent data centre operator, headquartered in Brisbane. Founded in 2010 and listed on the ASX the same year, NEXTDC specializes in colocation services, interconnectivity, and infrastructure management solutions for a diverse client base including enterprises, government agencies, and cloud service providers.

The company operates a network of Tier III and Tier IV data centres across Australia’s major cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and Adelaide—while expanding internationally with facilities under development in Auckland, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue (TTM): AUD 445.6 million
• Net Income (TTM): AUD -64.3 million
• Recent Performance: In FY2024, NEXTDC reported a 12% increase in total revenue, reaching AUD 404.3 million, and an underlying EBITDA growth of 5% to AUD 204.3 million.
  

  Notable Developments

  Major Expansion: NEXTDC is investing significantly in expanding its data centre capacity, including the development of the S7 site in Eastern Creek, Sydney, which will feature a 550MW capacity facility.

  Strong Growth: In early 2025, the company reported a 30% increase in contracted utilisation, driven by surging demand for AI and high-performance computing infrastructure.

  Sustainability Leadership: NEXTDC launched NEXTneutral, a comprehensive program designed to help Australian businesses achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

Appen is an Australian company that specializes in data solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications. The company provides comprehensive data sourcing, annotation, and model evaluation services designed to enhance AI systems across diverse industries. Operating on a global scale, Appen serves clients in over 130 countries while supporting more than 180 languages.

Appen’s services power various AI applications, including speech recognition, computer vision, e-commerce optimization, personalized advertising, social media enhancement, and customer service tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue (FY2024): AUD 234.3 million (a 14.2% decrease from the previous year)
• Net Loss (FY2024): AUD 20 million (improved from a AUD 118.1 million loss in FY2023)
• Global Services Revenue: AUD 118.1 million (down 38.3% year-over-year)
• New Markets Revenue: AUD 116.2 million (up 42.6% year-over-year)
• Market Capitalization: Approximately AUD 302 million (as of July 2025)

The company experienced revenue decline primarily due to losing Google as a major client in its Global Services segment. However, the New Markets division, particularly in China, demonstrated significant growth potential.

Notable Developments

Leadership Transition: Ryan Kolln was appointed CEO in February 2024, replacing Armughan Ahmad as the company navigates market challenges.

Operational Efficiency: Appen implemented strategic cost-cutting measures, reducing expenses by AUD 13.5 million in FY2024 to improve profitability.

Market Volatility: The company faced a 33% share price decline in early 2025 due to reduced project volumes and broader market uncertainty in the AI sector.

Adisyn Ltd (ASX: AI1)

Adisyn provides managed technology services and solutions, primarily serving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia and the United Kingdom. The company offers comprehensive services including managed support, cybersecurity, cloud and data centre co-location, network infrastructure, and backup solutions. Additionally, Adisyn provides advisory and planning services, technical support, and regional modular hosting services for cryptocurrency mining equipment.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, 2D Generation Ltd, Adisyn is pioneering graphene-based semiconductor technologies designed to enhance AI, telecommunications, and data storage applications.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue: AUD 5.41 million
• Net Loss: AUD 3.52 million
• Gross Margin: 56.92%
• Operating Margin: -43.63%
• Profit Margin: -65.10%
• Free Cash Flow: -AUD 2.46 million
• Shares Outstanding: Approximately 724 million
• Market Capitalization: Approximately AUD 37.65 million (as of July 9, 2025)

Notable Developments

Acquisition of 2D Generation Ltd: In July 2024, Adisyn completed the acquisition of 2D Generation Ltd, an Israeli semiconductor IP company specializing in graphene-based technologies. This acquisition aims to position Adisyn at the forefront of next-generation semiconductor innovation.

Strategic Partnerships: Adisyn has entered into a collaboration agreement with Tel Aviv University to advance the development of high-performance, energy-efficient semiconductor solutions.

Capital Raise: In January 2025, the company successfully completed a heavily oversubscribed placement, raising AUD 10 million to fund its expansion into AI and semiconductor technologies.

Leadership Appointments: Adisyn has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of industry veterans, including Kevin Crofton as Non-Executive Chairman and Arye Kohavi as Non-Executive Director, to guide its strategic direction in the semiconductor sector.

Who are the leading ASX AI ETF’s for 2026

For diversified exposure to the AI sector, consider the following ETFs:

1. BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
   Tracks global companies in robotics and AI, offering broad exposure to the sector.
2. ETFS ROBO Global Robotics and Automation ETF (ASX: ROBO)
   Invests in global robotics and automation companies, providing access to AI-driven industries.
3. BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
   Focuses on leading Asian tech companies, including those specializing in AI and related technologies.
4. ETFS Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH)
   Offers exposure to global technology leaders, many of whom are heavily invested in AI development.

BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Provides investors with focused exposure to global companies pioneering robotics, automation, and AI technologies. Since its launch in September 2018, RBTZ tracks the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, which includes companies engaged in industrial and non-industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles, and drone technologies.

Key Fund Metrics (as of 30 June 2025)

• Net Asset Value (NAV) per Unit: AUD 13.94
• Total Net Assets: ~AUD 284 million
• Management Fee: 0.57% p.a.
• Distribution Frequency: Annual
• 12-Month Distribution Yield: 5.0%

Performance Overview

Note: Returns are in AUD and account for fund management costs but exclude brokerage fees and taxes.

Top Holdings (as of 30 May 2025)

Investment Strategy

RBTZ delivers diversified exposure to a global portfolio of companies driving innovation in robotics and AI. The ETF maintains sector and geographic neutrality, enabling investors to access a broad spectrum of industries and markets capitalizing on advances in automation and intelligent systems.

Considerations

• Concentration Risk: The fund allocates a substantial portion of assets to its top holdings, which may limit diversification benefits and increase exposure to individual company performance.
• Currency Risk: International investments expose the ETF to exchange rate fluctuations that can impact returns for Australian investors.
• Sector Volatility: The fund’s performance is directly correlated with the robotics and AI sectors, which can experience significant volatility due to technological disruption and market sentiment shifts.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Delivers investors exposure to 50 of Asia’s largest technology and online retail companies (excluding Japan), featuring industry giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Samsung. The fund tracks the Solactive Asia ex-Japan Technology & Internet Tigers Index, designed to capture the growth potential of Asia’s rapidly expanding technology sector.

Key Fund Metrics (as of July 2025)

• Net Asset Value (NAV) per Unit: AUD 11.70
• Total Net Assets: ~AUD 691 million
• Management Fee: 0.57% p.a.
• Estimated Expenses: 0.10% p.a.
• Distribution Frequency: Semi-annual

Performance Overview

Note: Returns are in AUD and account for fund management costs but exclude brokerage fees and taxes.

Top Holdings (as of June 2025)

These top 10 holdings constitute a significant portion of the total portfolio.

Sector and Regional Allocation

Sector Allocation:

• Information Technology: 70%
• Consumer Discretionary: 20%
• Communication Services: 10%Regional Allocation:
• China: 40%
• Taiwan: 30%
• South Korea: 20%
• India: 10%
  
  Considerations

• Concentration Risk: The fund maintains substantial exposure to a limited number of large-cap technology companies, potentially reducing diversification benefits and increasing dependency on individual stock performance.
• Currency Risk: Since the ETF invests in international companies without currency hedging, exchange rate movements between the Australian dollar and foreign currencies can significantly affect returns.
• Sector Volatility: Markets Risk: Exposure to emerging market investments introduces additional volatility and potential risks, including regulatory uncertainty, political instability, and reduced liquidity compared to developed markets.

The Bottom Line

The ASX has seen growing AI adoption across data infrastructure, software, healthcare, and fintech sectors.

Growth is driven by:

• Rising enterprise and government AI investment
• Increasing demand for automation and machine learning
• Expanding applications in medical imaging, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure

Despite volatility and some underperformance (notably Appen), the ASX AI sector is positioned for growth as companies commercialize products, form global partnerships, and leverage Australia’s strong research and data science capabilities.