New Delhi, Jan. 19 -- Global spending on artificial intelligence is projected to reach $2.52 trillion in 2026, marking a 44% year-on-year increase, as enterprises prioritise infrastructure, predictable returns, and real-world deployments over speculative AI bets, according to research firm Gartner.

The surge in AI investment is being driven largely by spending on AI infrastructure, including AI-optimised servers and foundational systems, which will account for 17% of total AI spending next year. Gartner estimates infrastructure alone will add $401 billion in incremental spending as technology providers scale up AI foundations

Large enterprises and incumbent technology vendors are leading AI adoption, rather than startups chasing moonsho...