Artificial intelligence continues to redefine industries, and as we approach 2026, the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing. To gain a deeper understanding of what lies ahead, we spoke with Joshua Lloyd Lyons, Head of Corporate Development at 73 Strings, an AI-native vertical software company backed by Blackstone and Goldman Sachs. 

As part of the Ambassador's Program for The AI Summit London 2026, Joshua shared his predictions for the future of AI, the rise of agentic systems, and the transformative impact of enterprise adoption. 

2026: The Year of Enterprise AI Adoption

Joshua began by acknowledging the challenges of predicting the future, noting that it can often feel like a "fool's errand." However, he confidently identified 2026 as a pivotal year for enterprise AI adoption. While AI has already made significant inroads in areas like code generation and engineering, Joshua believes the next wave of adoption will focus on knowledge work.

He explained, "What I'm expecting is a significantly increased penetration across knowledge work as AI takes on more and more of the cognitive load that people experience day-to-day." This shift will see AI moving beyond niche applications to become an integral part of how businesses operate, particularly in roles that require cognitive and analytical capabilities.

The Rise of Agentic AI in the Enterprise

One of the most exciting trends Joshua highlighted is the rise of agentic AI within enterprises. Agentic AI refers to systems that can act autonomously to perform tasks, make decisions, and enhance human capabilities. Companies like 73 Strings are already leveraging agentic workflows to automate manual tasks and empower knowledge workers, particularly in financial services.

Joshua elaborated, "Companies like mine, like 73 Strings, are using agentic workflows to automate manual tasks and enhance the capabilities of knowledge workers in financial services and further afield." This approach not only improves efficiency but also allows employees to focus on higher-value activities, driving innovation and productivity across industries.

Building the UK AI Ecosystem

As a participant in the Ambassador's Program for The AI Summit London, Joshua emphasised the importance of fostering a strong AI ecosystem in the UK. He described the UK as a unique confluence of talent and capital, making it an ideal hub for AI innovation.

"The AI Summit brings together a density of talent and capital into a really interesting melting pot." For Joshua, events like The AI Summit London are crucial for networking, knowledge sharing, and building a collaborative community that can drive the next decade of AI advancements.

Why The AI Summit London Matters

Reflecting on his involvement with The AI Summit London, Joshua highlighted its role in shaping the future of AI. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this June, The AI Summit London has become a cornerstone event for the global AI community, attracting thought leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world.

For Joshua, the Summit is more than just a conference; it’s an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the AI ecosystem and to learn from peers who are at the forefront of AI innovation. "For me, the AI Summit brings together the London community into a melting pot that people would do well to attend," he noted.

Looking Ahead: A Transformative Year for AI

As we approach 2026, the insights shared by Joshua Lloyd Lyons paint a compelling picture of what’s to come. From the widespread adoption of AI in knowledge work to the rise of agentic systems, the next few years promise to be transformative for businesses and industries alike.

The AI Summit London will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping this future, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas. For those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of AI, attending the Summit is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity.

Conclusion

Joshua Lloyd Lyons’ vision for AI in 2026 underscores the immense potential of this technology to revolutionise industries and redefine the way we work. His expertise offers valuable insights into the trends and innovations that will shape the future. Whether it’s the rise of agentic AI, the scaling of enterprise adoption, or the growth of the UK AI ecosystem, one thing is clear: the next wave of AI transformation is just beginning.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this journey—join the conversation at The AI Summit London this year and witness firsthand how AI is driving measurable business outcomes.