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

The AI sector has boomed in 2025.

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

Image source: Getty Images

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.

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

Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.
AI Stocks

The high flying ASX small-cap AI stock you need to pay attention to!

This AI stock is a must watch.

Read more »

Hologram of a man next to a human robot, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Technology Shares

Meta shares soar as huge AI investments continue

Meta now expects capital expenditure of US$115 billion – US$135 billion in 2026

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
AI Stocks

Why are Appen shares rocketing 32% on Thursday?

This AI stock is having a day to remember. But why?

Read more »

A shocked man holding some documents in the living room.
Technology Shares

Here's what 100 Droneshield shares purchased 5 years ago are worth now

Here's what the shares would be worth today.

Read more »

a uranium-fuelled mushroom shaped cloud explosion surrounded by a circle of rainbow light with a symbol of an atom to one side of it.
Opinions

What's next for the best-performing ASX 200 stock of 2025?

This ASX stock boomed in 2026.

Read more »

A man checks his phone next to an electric vehicle charging station with his electric vehicle parked in the charging bay.
AI Stocks

Which AI themes should investors be targeting in 2026?

Do you have portfolio exposure to these AI themes?

Read more »

A woman holds her hand out under a graphic hologram image of a human brain with brightly lit segments and section points.
AI Stocks

My top 3 artificial intelligence ASX stocks to buy for 2026

AI isn’t a future concept anymore. The question is how to invest in it sensibly today.

Read more »

Child with superhero mask and cape flies after jumping on sofa
AI Stocks

3 of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025

These stocks soared in 2025.

Read more »