Here are four key AI trends that stand out for their impact and potential.

1. AI-powered personalisation across industries

AI-powered personalisation has emerged as a leading topic at technology conferences worldwide. At Bits & Pretzels in Munich, one of Europe’s top startup festivals, both startups and established companies demonstrated how combining detailed data analysis with machine learning creates highly tailored user experiences. From personalised recommendations in e-commerce to AI-generated images, this technology is helping brands forge stronger connections with their consumers. The use of AI in personalised shopping and e-commerce continues to gain significant traction.

Joanne Filbin, Founder of Vestir.AI, a Swiss fashiontech and eCommerce startup, shared: “The key trend closest to my work is AI-generated images, which have dramatically advanced realism this year. The human avatars and garments we produce at Vestir now move with a level of realism that has made progress leaps and bounds in just the last 18 months. What seems cutting-edge today will feel primitive by the end of 2026. It’s an exhilarating time to be part of this field.”

2. Prolifiration of Agentic AI

Agentic AI, which refers to intelligent systems capable of autonomous decision-making and actions, is rapidly gaining traction across industries. This trend marks a shift from AI as a tool responding to commands toward AI as an active collaborator in commerce and operations.

At the AI Village in Hürth, Germany, Axel Schmiegelow, Co-Founder of Agentic Systems AG, explained: “The most decisive trend we see is the shift towards Agentic Commerce, accelerated by OpenAI’s Instant Checkout and Agents SDK, as well as the AC Protocol. We have launched an Agentic Commerce platform and are helping companies roll out node agents to serve these new channels.”

This movement enables businesses to deploy smart agents that can interact independently with customers, suppliers, and other systems, creating more dynamic and responsive business ecosystems.

3. AI for process automation

A powerful trend gaining momentum is the use of AI to automate processes across various business functions. Companies are showcasing systems that handle complex workflows and deliver actionable insights with minimal human involvement. Harald Greiner, CIO of German F.ECTIVES, explains: “AI is rapidly becoming a new layer of digital infrastructure, much like cloud computing did a decade ago. The true challenge and opportunity now is to ensure this infrastructure is human-centered – transparent, trustworthy, and designed to enhance rather than replace human intelligence.”

In healthcare technology, AI models accelerate diagnostics and create personalised treatment plans by efficiently analysing vast medical datasets. Meanwhile, marketing technology startups use AI-driven platforms to optimise advertising with predictive analytics, cutting costs and improving effectiveness. This trend highlights AI’s growing role as a strategic partner in enhancing operational performance.

4. Transparent AI deployment

Ethical AI development has taken centre stage in panel discussions and workshops, highlighting a growing commitment to responsible technology use. Industry experts stress that transparency and bias mitigation are essential foundations for AI adoption. Some startups are leading the way with explainable AI tools that not only make decisions but also provide clear explanations behind them, fostering trust and confidence among consumers and regulators. This shift toward trustworthy AI signals a maturation of the industry, where innovation is balanced with integrity and accountability.

Jens Stapelfeldt, Global AI Lead (AUP) at AMD, notes that AI is increasingly moving to the Edge – enterprise AI – for key reasons such as enhanced security, greater trustworthiness, and AI sovereignty.

This shift allows organisations to maintain greater control over their data and AI systems, ensuring compliance with regulations while delivering faster processing power.

The year 2025 has made it clear that AI is no longer a distant, futuristic concept but an immediate and transformative force actively driving progress across diverse sectors. For those observing the technology landscape, these emerging AI trends highlight an exciting trajectory ahead – one where innovation, responsibility, and practical impact come together to reshape the future.

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