Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks can give you an opportunity to capture growth in a market that is expected to compound considerably in the coming years.
However, there aren't as many pure-play AI stocks listed on the ASX as you might think.
With that being said, many ASX-listed companies use AI to improve efficiency, decision-making, or customer experience, even though AI is not the core focus of their business.
If you are looking to gain AI exposure in 2026, here are three stocks to consider.
Black Pearl Group Ltd (ASX: BPG)
Black Pearl Group is a newly listed ASX company (listed November 2025).
It is a data technology platform that develops and operates a lead prospecting and marketing product suite via its proprietary Pearl Engine platform and augmented large language model.
The company aims to reach $50 million in annual recurring revenue over the next three to five years from September 2025.
This growth is expected to come from acquiring B2B Rocket to serve smaller businesses, launching Bebop for larger sales teams, and expanding Pearl Diver into higher-value data services that are more deeply integrated into customer operations.
At the time of writing, shares in this AI company are trading at $0.82.
However, Bell Potter is optimistic the company can deliver on its aimed growth over the coming years.
The broker has a speculative buy rating on these AI shares along with a price target of $1.45.
This indicates more than 76% upside.
Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)
Weebit Nano is a developer of advanced semiconductor memory technology.
It develops advanced storage and computing technologies, particularly its ReRAM (Resistive Random-Access Memory) technology.
This technology is used in Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smartphones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, 5G communications, advanced AI systems, and cloud computing.
It has risen an impressive 61% in the last 12 months.
This has been fuelled by key wins throughout the year, including a major licensing agreement less than two weeks ago.
Its unique technology is very hard to replicate, giving it a strong market position moving forward.
NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)
NextDC is an AI stock that may be undervalued after a difficult 12 months.
The company operates data centres in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
From these facilities, it delivers the critical infrastructure that underpins cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and hyperscale operations.
Every major AI trend, like large language models – depends on vast data storage, processing capacity, and high-speed connectivity. That demand ultimately feeds through to data-centre operators like NextDC.
While this isn't a groundbreaking cloud computing or AI solution, it is set to play a fundamental role in the growth of the sector.
Ord Minnett sees the current stock price as a value play.
The broker has a $20.50 price target on these AI shares. This indicates an upside of 66% from yesterday's closing price of $12.30.
