Top 10 next-gen tech ETFs to watch in 2026

The funds on this list hold equity in companies developing AI software, robotics systems, machine learning tools and autonomous vehicle technology. Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF ($DRIV) is the only fund here built around the vehicle industry, covering both electric and autonomous vehicles – the other nine all centre on AI, machine learning or robotics.

How we built this list: We selected these funds based on their investment category and relevance to the theme, then ordered them by assets under management. Prices are updated daily, and the list and supporting content are reviewed roughly every quarter. All data is sourced from Stake. This list isn't a recommendation and isn't ordered by suitability.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Source: Stake market data. Figures in US$. Data updated as of 22 October 2026.

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1. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF ($AIQ)

Price: US$62.07 · Daily: -3.0% · AUM: US$10.31B · MER: 0.68%

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF ($AIQ) is designed to track the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, a benchmark covering companies involved in developing and applying artificial intelligence and big data technologies. The index casts a wide net across the AI ecosystem – from the firms building the underlying models to those putting them to work in commercial applications.

Because the index focuses on both AI development and utilisation, $AIQ tends to hold a mix of companies at different points along the technology chain. That's a structural feature of the mandate rather than an active call on any particular part of the industry. The fund aims to reflect how broadly AI has embedded itself across the technology sector, not just in a handful of headline names.

2. Defiance Quantum ETF ($QTUM)

Price: US$135.54 · Daily: -4.4% · AUM: US$5.36B · MER: 0.40%

The Defiance Quantum ETF ($QTUM) is designed to track the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index. That index holds companies whose products or services are predominantly tied to the development of quantum computing and machine learning technology. Rather than weighting by market capitalisation, the portfolio uses a modified equal-weight approach. That spreads exposure more evenly across the holdings than a cap-weighted construction would.

The fund's mandate covers both quantum computing and machine learning, bringing two related technology disciplines into a single index.

3. iShares Future AI & Tech ETF ($ARTY)

Price: US$68.86 · Daily: -5.6% · AUM: US$3.89B · MER: 0.47%

iShares Future AI & Tech ETF ($ARTY) is designed to track the Morningstar Global Artificial Intelligence Select Index, which measures equity securities with exposure to AI technologies. The index draws from both U.S. and non-US companies – covering businesses that provide products and services expected to contribute to AI development.

That global reach means $ARTY isn't anchored to any single market. The fund's mandate focuses on companies positioned across the AI supply chain, from the infrastructure layer through to applied AI services.

4. Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF ($BOTZ)

Price: US$32.68 · Daily: -2.7% · AUM: US$3.16B · MER: 0.68%

Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF ($BOTZ) is designed to track the INDXX Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, which covers companies involved in robotics and AI development. The fund aims to correspond generally to that index's price and yield performance.

At least 80% of $BOTZ's holdings are tied to that index mandate – a policy that requires 60 days' written notice to shareholders before it can be changed. That structure gives investors a degree of visibility into how the fund's composition may shift over time.

5. ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF ($ROBO)

Price: US$74.84 · Daily: -3.5% · AUM: US$1.95B · MER: 0.95%

ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF ($ROBO) is designed to track the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index, which covers companies involved in robotics-related and automation-related activities. The fund aims to hold at least 80% of its assets in securities that make up that index.

The focus is deliberately narrow – this isn't a broad technology fund but one built specifically around the mechanics of robotics and automation as a category. That specificity means the portfolio aims to reflect how that corner of the market performs, rather than diluting it with general tech exposure.

6. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF ($ARKQ)

Price: US$111.69 · Daily: -3.6% · AUM: US$1.82B · MER: 0.75%

Industrial innovation is the central idea behind ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF ($ARKQ). The fund targets domestic and foreign equity in companies its managers consider relevant to that theme. Holdings are concentrated across the industrials and information technology sectors, with the mandate aimed at long-term capital growth.

7. Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF ($IGPT)

Price: US$87.27 · Daily: -5.5% · AUM: US$1.36B · MER: 0.57%

Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF ($IGPT) is designed to track the STOXX World AC NexGen Software Development Index, a benchmark built around companies with meaningful exposure to technologies and products driving the next wave of software development. The fund aims to hold at least 90% of its assets in securities that earn direct revenue from those areas – so the link between a holding and next-gen software has to show up in how the company actually makes money.

That revenue-based filter gives $IGPT a more targeted construction than a broad technology index. The focus is on AI and software development tools, which means holdings tend to be companies building the platforms and capabilities that underpin future software rather than simply operating in the technology sector more broadly.

8. First Trust Nasdaq AI and Robotics ETF ($ROBT)

Price: US$56.66 · Daily: -2.2% · AUM: US$758.8M · MER: 0.66%

First Trust Nasdaq AI and Robotics ETF ($ROBT) aims to track the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index, which is designed to follow companies working in AI and robotics across the technology, industrial and other economic sectors.

The index draws from a broad field – not just pure software names, but also industrial companies whose businesses centre on robotics development and deployment. That cross-sector scope means $ROBT holds a wider mix of company types than a fund anchored solely to software or semiconductors.

9. WisdomTree AI and Innovation Fund ($WTAI)

Price: US$36.43 · Daily: -6.5% · AUM: US$636.2M · MER: 0.45%

The WisdomTree AI and Innovation Fund ($WTAI) is designed to track the WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Index. The index aims to capture equity exposure to companies globally that are involved in artificial intelligence and innovation. Because the portfolio draws from an international pool, $WTAI isn't anchored to any single country or regional market.

The 'innovation' framing in the mandate extends the index's reach beyond pure AI applications. Companies involved in developing or applying AI across multiple industries are potentially within scope, not just those in a single technology segment.

10. Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF ($DRIV)

Price: US$29.48 · Daily: -4.0% · AUM: US$335.0M · MER: 0.68%

Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF ($DRIV) is designed to track the Solactive Autonomous & Electric Vehicles Index, which covers exchange-listed companies involved in developing electric and autonomous vehicle technology. The index draws in companies active in either segment – electrification, autonomy, or both. That vehicle-industry focus distinguishes $DRIV from the other nine funds on this list, which centre on AI, machine learning or robotics rather than transport.

The fund aims to match the index's price and yield performance, before fees and expenses. Because the mandate spans two related but distinct development tracks, the portfolio can hold companies that are primarily EV makers alongside those focused more squarely on autonomous systems.

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Common questions

How do I invest in next-gen tech ETFs in Australia?

All ten funds in this list trade on U.S. exchanges, so you buy them through a share trading platform that provides access to U.S. markets. You search by ticker – $AIQ, $QTUM, $ARTY and so on – and place an order during U.S. market hours, the same way you'd buy any U.S.-listed stock.

What are the key risks of next-gen tech ETFs?

Some of the key risks include concentration in a narrow technology theme, which means these funds can move sharply when sentiment toward AI, robotics or related segments shifts. Because all ten funds trade in USD, movements between the Australian dollar and the USD affect what you pay for units and what proceeds are worth back in AUD. Fund construction also plays a role – an equal-weighted portfolio behaves differently from a cap-weighted one when holdings diverge in performance. Smaller or earlier-stage companies in these themes can carry more company-specific risk than larger, more established names.

How do the different fund types in this list compare?

The funds here cover several distinct corners of next-generation technology. Some focus on AI and big data broadly, holding companies across the full technology chain from infrastructure through to commercial applications. Others narrow to a specific discipline – quantum computing and machine learning, robotics and automation, or software development tools. One fund, $DRIV, takes a different path, covering electric and autonomous vehicle companies rather than AI or robotics directly.

What's the difference between an index-tracking and an actively managed fund?

Most funds in this list aim to track a published index – the index defines which companies are held and in what proportion, and the fund seeks to mirror those results before fees. $ARKQ takes a different approach: rather than following a fixed benchmark, the fund's managers select holdings they consider relevant to industrial innovation. That means the portfolio can shift based on manager decisions rather than index rules, which is a structurally different kind of exposure.

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Disclaimer

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. When you invest, your capital is at risk. You should consider your own investment objectives, financial situation, and particular needs before making an investment decision. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may receive back less than your original investment. As always, do your own research and consider seeking appropriate financial advice before investing.

This is not personal financial advice nor a recommendation to invest in the securities listed. Any advice provided by Stake is of general nature only and does not take into account your specific circumstances. Trading and volume data from the Stake investing platform is for reference purposes only, the investment choices of others may not be appropriate for your needs and is not a reliable indicator of performance.

Please refer to hellostake.com/pricing for the fees that apply. When you trade securities priced in another currency, currency conversion fees may apply and movements in the exchange rate may affect your returns.

Stake Desk

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This article combines AI and human review from our analysts to bring you accurate, informative investing content at speed. For questions or suggestions, contact stakedesk@stake.com.au.