Amazon CTO Werner Vogels’ tech predictions for 2026

Good morning. Several years ago, Amazon CTO Werner Vogels began sharing predictions about how technology would likely affect our lives in the coming year. In the past, he has predicted the impact of digital technology on sports, artificial intelligence assistants on developer productivity, machine learning embedded in production lines, and « fem tech » on women’s health. As CTO since 2005, he works from a unique perch to see – and even shape – what’s next. Of course, he also has his own interest in adopting the technologies created by his company. But these predictions are worth considering because these trends – if they materialize – will affect the wider economy.

So what does he predict for 2026?

Partnership is redefined for those who need it most: Companion robots are addressing the loneliness epidemic, especially for seniors and those with cognitive or other health problems.
At the dawn of the renaissance developer: Like the great men of the Renaissance who understood science, art and technology, the developers of polymaths thrive.
Quantum secure becomes the only secure: Bad actors now collect data waiting for the quantum to arrive, so the window for proactive defense closes.
Defense technology is changing the world: Defense contractors are flush with capital and operate more like startups, compressing the timeline from the battlefield to civilian applications of technology.
Individual learning meets infinite curiosity: For most of human history, only the wealthy could afford a personal trainer or coach. That is changing.

I spoke with Vogels about the thinking behind it predictions for this year. Among other things, he acknowledges that technology tools, from artificial intelligence to military drones, can apparently harm or help depending on the user’s intent. But he’s optimistic, especially about the possibilities for personalized learning and software developers.

And how does he see the role of CTO—a role that can span everything from someone who manages data centers to a product-focused founder? « I think CTOs are terrible leaders. You should never put a CTO in charge of people, » he argues. « Engineering leaders wake up in the morning thinking, ‘Do I have the best team in the best situation? Can I protect them from politics and such? A CTO thinks, « What’s the next technology we should build? » In fact, that was my role for many years at Amazon. Then you become a technology provider, and then your role changes again. You need to understand how your customers are actually using your technology.”

What excites him the most: « Especially in Africa, I’ve met so many motivated engineers who don’t want to come to the US. They don’t want to go work for a big company. They want to solve a problem in their country. I love that. There’s real progress there. » Click here is our entire interview.

Contact CEO Daily through Diane Brady at diane.brady@fortune.com

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