Webinar: Five Data Center Predictions for 2026

Presentation Title:
Five Data Center Predictions for 2026

Presenters:
Andy Lawrence, Executive Director of Research, Uptime Institute
Daniel Bizo, Senior Research Director, Uptime Institute
Jacqueline Davis, Research Analyst, Uptime Institute
Max Smolaks, Research Analyst, Uptime Institute
Dr. Rand Talib, Research Analyst, Uptime Institute
Douglas Donnellan, Research Analyst (Moderator), Uptime Institute

Summary:

In this report, Uptime Intelligence looks beyond the more obvious trends of 2026 and examines some of the latest developments and challenges shaping the industry. AI is transforming data center strategies, but its impact remains uneven due to unclear demand, complex infrastructure needs, and long development timelines. In 2026, growth in AI workloads will continue to be driven by a small number of large organizations with the resources to deploy high-density systems. Challenges in securing power, managing advanced cooling requirements and capital project delays will persist or intensify. At the same time, AI automation tools will move from pilot projects to operations, delivering measurable efficiency gains. As new AI applications begin to show real business value, data center operators will need targeted investments and to plan carefully to keep pace.