AI in 2026: 3 Predictions For What’s To Come (a16z Big Ideas)

AI is reshaping how discovery, connection, and business advantage are created. In part three of Big Ideas 2026, we explore three shifts defining where AI goes next when the stakes are real and the impact compounds. Oliver Hsu explains how advances in AI reasoning and robotics are moving science toward autonomous labs, accelerating discovery while making interpretability essential. Bryan Kim explores how consumer AI is evolving beyond productivity toward connection, identity, and helping people feel seen. David Haber breaks down why the most durable AI companies are those where AI reinforces the business model itself, driving revenue, outcomes, and compounding advantage. Timecodes: 0:00 Big Ideas for 2026 0:28 Autonomous Labs and AI in Scientific Discovery 3:55 Market Dynamics and Early Adopters in Autonomous Science 5:08 Public-Private Partnerships Accelerating AI-Driven Science 6:21 AI in Consumer Applications: From Productivity to Connectivity 7:08 AI and Human Connection: Startups vs. Incumbents 7:47 AI as a Relationship Facilitator 8:39 Personalization and the Future of Consumer AI 9:31 AI Reinforcing Business Models 10:05 Case Study: AI in Plaintiff Law and Lending 11:26 Compounding Advantages and Proprietary Data 12:29 Smarter Outcomes and the Future of AI-Driven Platforms Resources: Follow Oliver on X: https://twitter.com/oyhsu Follow Bryan Kim on X: https://twitter.com/kirbyman01 Follow David Haber on X: https://twitter.com/dhaber Read more all of our 2026 Big Ideas Part 1: https://a16z.com/newsletter/big-ideas-2026-part-1 Part 2: https://a16z.com/newsletter/big-ideas-2026-part-2 Part 3: https://a16z.com/newsletter/big-ideas-2026-part-3 Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends! Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX Listen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711 Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details, please see http://a16z.com/disclosures.