3 ASX artificial intelligence stocks with up to 130% upside in 2026

The AI sector has boomed in 2025.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1): Positioned for growth in AI-driven connectivity, analysts see a 68.22% upside due to strong network expansion and strategic acquisitions.
  • NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT): With plans to meet increasing data demands, analysts predict a 126.94% upside, despite recent share price declines.
  • Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ): Leveraging growth in cloud and cybersecurity services, Macquarie has a projected 64.71% upside for 2026.

Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) boomed in 2025 as rapid technology developments and improving investor confidence pushed ASX AI shares higher for the year. 

Here are 3 ASX AI stocks which are tipped to soar even higher in 2026.

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.

Image source: Getty Images

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1

Megaport provides network-as-a-service (NaaS) connectivity that helps power AI applications that need fast data speeds. It lets businesses quickly and securely link up to cloud services, data centres and other digital infrastructure, without the need for physical hardware.

It's this strong link to cloud computing which puts Megaport in a good spot for long-term growth. As more companies lean into AI and keep scaling up their digital operations, demand for flexible, high-speed connectivity should only keep growing.

Megaport expanded its network presence in the first half of FY25 and launched new products to boost its offering. More recently, Megaport completed an institutional placement in mid-November. This was just a day after it revealed that it was raising $220 million to fund the acquisition of Latitude.sh for US$150 million in cash and scrip. The acquisition boosts Megaport's existing offerings further and gives it a direct entry into a large, fast-growing end market.

At the ASX close on Monday, Megaport's share price closed 2.46% higher at $12.90. Over the past year the shares have rocketed 73.85% higher. And analysts are bullish that the shares will keep climbing in 2026 too. TradingView data shows 10 out of 14 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares with a maximum target price of $21.70 for 2026. That implies an upside of 68.22% next year. 

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another ASX AI stock set to climb higher in 2026 is NextDC. It's Australia's leading independent data centre operator and it provides secure facilities where businesses can store their IT systems to keep their networks running smoothly and reliably.

At the time of writing, its share price has tumbled nearly 30% since peaking at an annual high of $17.99 in mid-September. The company suffered a huge protest vote against its remuneration report at its annual general meeting (AGM) in November. It has also been caught up in the tech-led market pullback over the past couple of months.

At the close of the ASX on Monday its shares were 6.62% higher for the day at $12.73. Over the past year they've fallen 17.01%.

But it looks like NextDC has great prospects for 2026, and analysts are bullish that the company can pull off significant growth throughout the year. Nextdc has an aggressive expansion plan to meet an ever-increasing demand for data storage and cloud services. 

Data shows analysts consensus that the shares are a buy, with a target price as high as $28.89 per share. At the time of writing that implies a huge 126.94% upside in 2026.

Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ

Macquarie Technology is one of Australia's leading data centres, which provides infrastructure for cloud computing, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. The business has posted 20 consecutive half-years of operating income growth. 

It is clearly fast-growing, although its share price has fluctuated wildly over the past 12 months anywhere between $91.39 and $52.66.

At Monday's close of the ASX, the share price was 3.17% higher at $68 a piece. Over the past year, its shares have dropped 20.37% but the company is optimistic that it'll have more growth ahead and analysts seem to agree. 

Forecasts for Macquarie Technology have a maximum estimate of $112 throughout 2026. That implies a potential upside of as much as 64.71% at the time of writing.

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on AI Stocks

Humanoid robot analysing the stock market, symbolising artificial intelligence shares.
Broker Notes

Up 109% since November, are Appen shares still a buy today?

A leading expert digs into the outlook for Appen shares amid the rise of AI.

Read more »

A humanoid robot is pictured looking at a share price chart
AI Stocks

3 reasons this AI and Robotics ASX ETF is a long term play

Is now the time to invest in robotics and AI?

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
AI Stocks

AI may look like a bubble. But what about Block shares?

Here's what to expect from this AI-driven tech stock next.

Read more »

AI written in blue on a digital chip.
AI Stocks

2 amazing AI stocks to buy in the ASX 200

These stocks appear well-positioned to benefit from the AI boom.

Read more »

A happy family of four on holidays stand on a jetty and cheer.
Broker Notes

Down 40% in 2026, should you buy the big dip in Life360 shares?

A leading analyst offers his outlook for Life360 shares.

Read more »

Buy and sell on yellow paper with pins on them and several share price lines.
Broker Notes

Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Nuix and Brainchip shares

A leading analyst forecasts more pain to come for Brainchip and Nuix shares. But why?

Read more »

Human head and artificial intelligence head side by side.
AI Stocks

3 ASX growth shares that could benefit from the AI boom

Let's see which shares could benefit from this transformational technology.

Read more »

A young woman with her mouth open and her hands out showing surprise and delight as uranium share prices skyrocket
Growth Shares

$10,000 invested in Droneshield and Woodside shares just 1 week ago is now worth…

And here's what the analysts expect from these two ASX 200 stocks next.

Read more »