Perspectives from Jeevantika Lingalwar, Head of AI and Biz Apps
The Shift Towards Applied AI
Now, in 2026, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving in ways that are both exciting and pragmatic. No longer is AI merely a topic of theoretical debate or isolated pilot projects; today, the emphasis is on applied AI, the strategic, purposeful integration of AI into real world business processes.
In my role as Head of AI and Biz Apps with I’ve witnessed first hand how organisations are moving away from experimenting with AI for novelty’s sake. The focus has shifted towards deploying agents and models that deliver measurable outcomes and actionable insights from streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences.
AI Agents: The Engines of Applied Intelligence
One of the most transformative developments in recent years is the rise of AI agents, sophisticated systems that act autonomously or semi-autonomously to perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with both data and people. These agents, when properly configured and embedded into workflows, create tangible gains in productivity, accuracy, and scalability.
For example, in retail, AI agents analyse purchasing patterns in real time to optimise stock levels and personalise marketing. In finance, they monitor transactions for anomalies, enhancing fraud detection and compliance. These are not abstract experiments; they are daily operations, powered by applied AI.
The Importance of Using AI the Right Way
I believe that 2026 will see a maturing understanding of how AI should be used. Being a Microsoft partner, our consultancy has access to cutting edge tools such as Power Platform and Copilot which enable us to deliver solutions that are innovative, secure, scalable, and compliant. But technology alone isn’t enough.
Responsible deployment is paramount. Applied AI brings gains only when it’s aligned with business objectives, user needs, and compliance standards. Our AI and Biz Apps team takes a hands on approach, engaging directly with customers to understand their unique challenges and aspirations. We start by collaborating to identify the areas where AI can deliver the most immediate, meaningful impact, focusing on quick wins that demonstrate value early on, such as automating repetitive tasks or providing actionable insights.
Instead of attempting to transform everything at once, our focus is on pinpointing specific areas where AI adoption will have the greatest impact, and then progressively building upon those successes. This allows organisations to build confidence, adapt to lessons learned, and gradually expand their use of AI as needs evolve. With the right engagement and a focus on practical outcomes, AI can evolve organically within an organisation, delivering sustainable benefits without the need to throw the kitchen sink at it from the outset.
Measurable Gains From Applied AI
- Operational Efficiency: Automated agents reduce manual tasks, freeing up employees for higher value work.
- Customer Experience: AI driven personalisation and support agents improve satisfaction and loyalty.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Machine learning models surface actionable insights, enabling better strategic choices.
- Innovation: Applied AI unlocks new business models, from predictive maintenance to real-time analytics.
Looking Forward: AI as a Trusted Partner
By 2026, AI won’t be defined by its algorithms alone, but by how it is embedded, governed, and measured within organisations. The real gains come from using AI in the right way, where agents are trusted extensions of teams, and where technology serves people, not the other way around.
As AI consultancy leaders and Microsoft partners, it’s our responsibility to guide clients through this transition, ensuring that the promise of AI translates into sustainable value, actionable insights and positive impact.
