Chinese AI agents may achieve monetization by 2026 UBS predicts
UBS forecasts Chinese companies could monetize AI agents by 2026 as models like DeepSeek R2 advance, with current focus shifting from consumer to enterprise applications.
Key Points:
- Monetization by 2026: UBS equity strategist Sundeep Gantori predicts that Chinese companies could start generating revenue from AI agents as early as next year, with 2026 being a pivotal year for monetization in China.
- Advanced Models Driving Growth: The sophistication of AI models, such as DeepSeek’s R2, is expected to accelerate commercialization. Gantori noted, "We expect to see more monetization" as these technologies mature.
- Global Competition: AI agents represent the next evolution in generative AI, with major players like Google and OpenAI heavily investing in the space. Recently, German startup DeepL launched an AI agent capable of handling repetitive tasks across various functions.
- US Market Leads: The U.S. currently dominates the AI agent market, generating $15–20 billion annually, thanks to widespread adoption of advanced software and sophisticated AI models in sectors like coding and wealth management.
- China’s Consumer-Centric Approach: Unlike the U.S., Chinese businesses have been slower to adopt paid enterprise software, with AI agents primarily targeting consumer applications (e.g., shopping, entertainment). However, Gantori believes this could change as China’s large language models improve.
Outlook: While monetization remains limited in China due to underdeveloped models, UBS anticipates a shift as AI capabilities advance, potentially unlocking new revenue streams for businesses.
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About the Author
Dr. Lisa Kim
AI Ethics Researcher
Leading expert in AI ethics and responsible AI development with 13 years of research experience. Former member of Microsoft AI Ethics Committee, now provides consulting for multiple international AI governance organizations. Regularly contributes AI ethics articles to top-tier journals like Nature and Science.