The State of AI in AIM: Where UK Growth Companies Stand in 2026
AI is moving quickly, but our analysis suggests many UK growth companies are still at an early stage in adopting and governing it.
Using Addidat’s proprietary data, based on public disclosures from companies across the AIM 100, we found that most firms are not yet visibly adopting AI or putting clear governance around it. A smaller group is moving faster, but often without the controls needed to manage the risks.
This creates both an opportunity and a warning for UK growth companies. AI has the potential to improve productivity, decision-making and competitiveness, but only if firms understand where they currently stand and take proportionate steps to manage the risks.
AI adoption is limited, and governance is even more limited
Despite the wider narrative that AI is everywhere, this is not yet reflected across AIM company reporting.
Only 28% of AIM 100 companies referenced AI as a strategic priority. Adoption also appears to be shaped by sector-related needs. Technology companies are moving first, with 86% referencing AI as a priority, while Materials and Energy companies make minimal reference to AI.
The bigger concern is that, where AI is being implemented, companies appear to be deploying it faster than they are governing it.
Our data shows that 23% of companies report operationally deploying AI, while a similar proportion identify AI as a principal risk. However, less than 15% report governance structures or related policies.
That gap matters. As AI use grows, firms without clear ownership, policies or controls may be exposed to risks they have not yet fully assessed.
AIM companies are split into three AI maturity groups
Comparing AI implementation and governance suggests three broad cohorts:
Overall, UK growth companies appear broadly polarised on AI maturity. A small group is acting quickly, but the majority are waiting.
AI risk is recognised, but controls are still developing
AI is increasingly being recognised as a risk but approaches to governing that risk are not yet embedded. Across the companies reviewed:
These findings suggest that while some companies are beginning to acknowledge AI-related risks, many have not yet put the structures in place to manage them.
AI presents different risks for different companies
AI introduces a range of risks, and different firms will be exposed in different ways depending on their maturity, sector and use cases.
Key risks include:
What should UK growth companies do next?
The right approach is not necessarily to move as fast as possible. It is to take right-sized, data-led action based on current maturity and business needs.
At Addidat, we recommend starting with these three steps:
1. Assess
Benchmark current AI activity and governance against peers to understand the company’s maturity.
For Bystanders, this may reveal more AI use than is currently disclosed. For Exposed companies, it may show that deployment is already creating risks and costs that need to be managed.
2. Prioritise
Build a picture of the actual and potential financial impacts of AI on the business, and use this to prioritise next steps.
For Bystanders, the question may be whether the cost of waiting is becoming too high. For Exposed companies, the priority is likely to be strengthening governance around existing activity.
3. Progress
Make sensible progress based on the company’s current maturity.
This could include clarifying ownership, developing policies, reviewing risks, improving reporting, or introducing training. The right next step will depend on the business, its sector and how AI is already being used.
As adoption progresses and technology advances, further risks are likely to emerge.
Closing thought
For UK growth companies, this is a critical opportunity to understand their position on AI, assess their risks and take practical steps towards proportionate AI adoption. This opportunity only exists as long as the majority of the market continues to wait and see, and the window is likely to be closing fast.
At Addidat, we help UK growth companies assess AI maturity, prioritise key risks and opportunities, and make right-sized progress based on what makes sense for their business.
*Findings across this report are based on public disclosures by companies across the AIM 100. We will continue to update our views and analysis as new company reporting becomes available.