NeuralCapitalTop 10 AI ETFs & Public Market Vehicles
State of the Sector
AI investing went mainstream in 2025. From thematic ETFs to actively managed AI funds, public markets are now full of vehicles offering exposure to artificial intelligence megatrends. But not all AI ETFs are created equal — some tilt toward chipmakers, others favor cloud, software, or speculative innovation. This year saw a shift toward diversified, high-quality holdings with real earnings. The top funds aren’t just chasing headlines — they’re curating conviction.
Top 10 AI ETFs & Public Market Vehicles
1. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
BOTZ continues to be a go-to for investors seeking pure-play robotics and automation exposure. With holdings like NVIDIA, Keyence, and Intuitive Surgical, it delivers concentrated bets on applied AI across industries.
2. iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (IRBO)
IRBO offers a more balanced, global mix — with equal weighting and small-cap inclusion. 2025 saw it outperform larger peers thanks to strength in Asia-based AI platform companies and mid-tier software players.
3. Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)
CHAT is one of the newest entrants and fastest growers. It focuses specifically on generative AI platforms and infrastructure, with top holdings in OpenAI partners, data infrastructure firms, and model developers. 2025 returns were fueled by renewed investor interest in foundation model providers.
4. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
Cathie Wood’s fund remains volatile — but its forward-looking bets on Tesla, UiPath, and drone logistics paid off in 2025. It's more aggressive than peers, but a bellwether for speculative AI innovation.
5. WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (WTAI)
WTAI takes a global, multi-cap approach with regular rebalancing toward companies innovating with AI — not just selling it. 2025 saw strong performance from European AI software firms and edge computing plays.
6. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence ETF (ROBT)
ROBT uses a rules-based approach to categorize companies into enablers, engagers, and enhancers. It’s structured, diversified, and continues to attract institutional flows. 2025 featured gains from chipmakers and cloud service integrators.
7. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)
AIQ tilts slightly toward large-cap tech but includes smaller cloud infrastructure and SaaS names. 2025 performance was driven by strong earnings from key software holdings and AI-enhanced SaaS providers.
8. Invesco QQQ (QQQ)
While not an AI-specific ETF, QQQ remains one of the most AI-exposed passive funds — with top weightings in Microsoft, Alphabet, NVIDIA, and Amazon. 2025 confirmed it as the easiest way to bet on AI at scale.
9. Defiance Next Gen AI & Tech ETF (QTUM)
QTUM blends AI exposure with quantum computing and advanced semiconductors. It’s a high-volatility pick, but 2025 saw renewed interest as quantum and AI use cases converge.
10. KraneShares Electric Vehicles & Future Mobility ETF (KARS)
KARS offers indirect exposure to AI via autonomous vehicles, EV infrastructure, and AI-enabled mobility. 2025 strength came from global AV players and EV companies integrating intelligent driving stacks.
Private Market Insight
While ETFs dominate the headlines, family offices and hedge funds are launching private AI indexes — often with custom allocations to:
- Early-stage AI chipmakers
- Private model labs (via secondary markets)
- AI-focused venture rollups
- Infrastructure plays in data center REITs and compute providers
Expect tokenized public/private hybrids to enter this space soon.
Neural Capital Insight
2025 confirmed that investors want curated AI exposure — without needing to pick stocks. The best AI ETFs aren’t just theme-wrapped tech funds; they’re intelligent vehicles in their own right. As AI matures, the funds leading this space are those balancing hype, risk, and real growth.
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From robotics to generative AI, these ETFs offer public market exposure to the future of intelligence. Follow NeuralCapital.ai for quarterly insights into how AI investing is evolving — and which funds are leading the way.
Disclosure: This article is editorial and not sponsored by any companies mentioned. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NeuralCapital.ai.