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94% of Developers Report AI Productivity Gains, but Governance Maturity Lags Behind Adoption, Finds New Study From Info-Tech Research Group

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Research findings published in Info-Tech Research Group’s newly released AI Adoption and Impact Study indicate that AI is becoming embedded across the software development lifecycle, with 94% of developers reporting productivity gains and 83% reporting meaningful defect reduction. However, the firm’s study also shows that AI-generated code requires more testing, that security concerns remain a leading barrier to adoption, and that legacy code continues to limit AI’s effectiveness in development workflows. 

ARLINGTON, Va., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research data from Info-Tech Research Group shows that while AI is changing how software is planned, built, tested, and delivered, many organizations are still working to align governance, security, and review practices with the rapid pace of adoption. The global IT research and advisory firm’s recently published report, AI Adoption and Impact Study: AI in Software Development June 2026 Top 10 Insights, examines how applications, engineering, and product leaders are using AI across the software development lifecycle and where adoption is delivering measurable value or creating new execution risks.

Based on 578 completed survey responses from leaders in Applications, Engineering, and Product who are actively adopting AI across the software development lifecycle (SDLC), Info-Tech’s report finds that 84% of respondents use AI in the Build phase, applying it to tasks such as analysis, design, development, and testing. At the same time, 67% of developers agree that AI-generated code requires more testing than human-generated code, which highlights a central tension for software leaders: AI is improving productivity and quality outcomes, but the practices needed to review, govern, and secure AI-assisted development are not yet keeping pace.

“AI is no longer sitting at the edge of software development. It is becoming part of how teams build and deliver work every day,” says Brian Jackson, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “The challenge for leaders is that faster code creation does not reduce the need for disciplined delivery. It increases the need for clear review standards, security guardrails, and stronger measurement so organizations can turn AI adoption into sustainable value rather than unmanaged risk.”

Info-Tech’s report shows that productivity gains are already widespread. According to the firm’s survey data, 94% of respondents report meaningful productivity improvements from AI, and organizations with higher AI maturity at the Build phase are more likely to report greater developer productivity. The findings also indicate that AI is helping improve quality, with 83% of respondents reporting meaningful defect reduction in shipped code, including 54% reporting a 2x reduction, 21% reporting a 5x reduction, and 7% reporting a 10x or greater reduction.

However, the report insights also reveal that adoption is advancing faster than process maturity. Among developers using AI at the Build stage, Info-Tech reports that only 37.4% describe their AI maturity level as formal or better. These findings suggest that without standard operating procedures, production-readiness criteria, and clear review requirements for AI-generated code, organizations risk inconsistent quality outcomes as AI adoption scales across teams.

Key Findings From Info-Tech’s AI in Software Development Study
Info-Tech’s AI Adoption and Impact Study: AI in Software Development June 2026 Top 10 Insights report identifies several findings that applications, engineering, and product leaders should consider as they expand AI use across the SDLC:

AI is widely used in the Build phase, but review requirements are increasing. The report finds that 84% of respondents use AI in the Build phase, while 67% agree that AI-generated code requires more testing than human-generated code. The findings indicate that AI may shift developer time from writing code to reviewing and validating code, even as overall efficiency improves.AI maturity remains behind adoption. The three most popular AI tools used in the Build stage are integrated development environment (IDE) plug-ins, AI chatbots, and agentic tools. Yet only 37.4% of developers using AI at the Build stage report formal procedures or better, suggesting that many teams are using AI in an ad hoc way without mature governance or review practices.Security and quality concerns continue to limit adoption. Across all organizations surveyed, security and IP concerns are the top AI adoption challenge at 48%, followed by output quality concerns at 42%, skills gaps or training at 34%, data readiness and quality at 26%, and poor tool integration at 24%. Security concerns are especially prominent in medium and large organizations.Legacy code remains the biggest workflow roadblock. The report finds that 51% of respondents say AI breaks on complex or legacy code, making it the most common personal roadblock to AI use in development workflows. AI code not passing quality gates follows at 46%, while inconsistent skill levels across teams are cited by 36.7% of respondents.Experience shapes how teams use and govern AI. Practitioners with more than 15 years of experience are nearly twice as likely to use AI security tools as those with 3 to 7 years of experience. They are also more likely to raise security or codebase context concerns, suggesting that experienced practitioners play an important role in applying AI more carefully.Developer roles are beginning to shift. Less experienced developers are more likely to report speed and efficiency gains from AI, while more veteran developers are more likely to report shifting their time toward reviewing and validating AI-generated code. Info-Tech’s findings suggest that leaders should ensure review processes include appropriately experienced staff before AI-generated outputs move into production.

The report also highlights a perception gap between product, engineering, and applications teams. When asked whether vibe coding with AI guarantees faster releases with zero errors, product respondents were the most likely to agree, while applications practitioners were the most skeptical. Info-Tech notes that this gap creates risk when delivery commitments are made before the teams responsible for quality have assessed the work.

“AI-assisted development can produce real gains, but the closer teams are to the code, the more they recognize the need for scrutiny,” explains Jackson. “Organizations should not treat AI as a shortcut around engineering discipline. They should use it as a reason to make security review, production-readiness standards, and quality measurement more explicit across the SDLC.”

Based on the data findings, Info-Tech recommends that software leaders focus on building practical governance around the highest-volume AI use cases first. This includes defining criteria for when AI-generated code is production-ready, establishing review expectations for security and quality, involving engineering and applications teams in AI adoption decisions, and tracking defects by category to understand where AI is improving outcomes and where human oversight remains critical.

The AI Adoption and Impact Study: AI in Software Development June 2026 Top 10 Insights report is part of Info-Tech’s ongoing AI Adoption and Impact Study. The research provides evidence-based data and expert analysis to help IT leaders understand how AI is affecting software development, where it is creating measurable benefits, and where barriers to integration and value delivery remain.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Brian Jackson, and access to the complete AI Adoption and Impact Study: AI in Software Development June 2026 Top 10 Insights report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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Real-World Study of Over 185,000 Users Finds Engagement with UpLife Digital Mental Health App Yields Significant Reductions in Depression and Anxiety

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Five-year evaluation shows a clear “dose–response” link between deeper engagement with UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ programs and greater depression and anxiety symptom improvement

LEESBURG, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — UpLife Inc, a digital mental health and self-therapy platform, today announced a set of research findings from a large real-world evaluation of its app, showing that people who engaged with the platform reported statistically significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time. The evaluation drew on five years of real-world data from an engaged user base of more than 185,000 people across the United States and 197 other countries worldwide.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it.” Jeff Musa, CEO, UpLife

The research analysis examined anonymized data collected between 2021 and 2026 using three validated clinical outcome measures: the PHQ-9 (depression), the GAD-7 (anxiety), and the WHO-5 (well-being). Among UpLife users who completed assessments at baseline and follow-up, depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly over time.

In the fully adjusted analysis, average depression scores (PHQ-9) fell by approximately 3.7 points; moving the typical UpLife user from the “moderately severe” range toward the “moderate” range. Anxiety scores (GAD-7) showed comparable significant reductions over time.

A clear dose–response relationship

One of the study’s central findings was a consistent dose–response pattern regarding the relationship between engagement and outcomes. Users who completed UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ experienced a reduction in their symptoms. The study also found that the completion of additional Journeys were associated with a further measurable decrease in their assessment scores, even after accounting for subscription type and other factors. Notably, depth of engagement with therapeutic content was a stronger predictor of improvement than simply the amount of time spent in the app.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out most is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it. That tells us our job is to keep building an experience that helps people stay engaged, because engagement is where the clinical value lives.” — Jeff Musa, Chief Executive Officer, UpLife

Built on cognitive behavioral therapy

UpLife delivers evidence-based psychological education and interventions grounded in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through five core features: structured Journeys, a Daily Plan, a Mood Tracker, journaling, and an AI assistant (“Lila”) that recommends relevant content from the platform. The app does not provide AI-generated therapy; its assistant only directs users to content that has been created, curated, and reviewed by clinicians.

For clinicians, UpLife also offers a HIPAA-compliant therapist portal that supports a Blended Care model, allowing providers to extend therapeutic support between sessions through structured digital programs, progress tracking, and shared assessments.

The platform has also been extensively used in humanitarian settings. Through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program, tens of thousands of users in Ukraine have received full, free access to a localized version of the app through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program.

About the evaluation

The study used an observational pre–post design based on real-world data and was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. As an observational evaluation without a control group, it demonstrates associations between app engagement and symptom improvement rather than establishing causation, and well-being scores (WHO-5) did not change significantly over the study period. The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that CBT-based digital interventions can be associated with meaningful symptom reduction, while underscoring the central role of sustained user engagement.

About UpLife

Founded in 2019, UpLife is a digital mental health and self-guided therapy platform that is designed to help people improve their emotional well-being, build healthier thinking patterns, and develop positive daily habits through structured, evidence-based psychological programs. UpLife also provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal to help therapists and health systems to extend care beyond the through a Blended Care Therapy model. Learn more at www.uplifecare.com.

Media Contact

Matt Landry, UpLife, 1 617-699-7205, matt@thesecondrow.net, https://www.uplifecare.com/ 

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SOURCE UpLife

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TruHeight Joins Nordstrom and JCPenney Marketplaces as Wellness Brands Reshape the Department Store

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Family nutrition brand’s newest retail partnerships reflect a broader shift: health and wellness products are becoming a staple of platforms once reserved for fashion and apparel

LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruHeight, the family nutrition brand, today announced it is joining the Nordstrom Marketplace and the JCPenney Marketplace, bringing its lineup of clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products to two of America’s most iconic department store names.

The partnerships place TruHeight at the center of one of retail’s most notable shifts. Department stores and fashion-first marketplaces, long defined by clothing, shoes, and accessories, are rapidly expanding into health and wellness as consumers increasingly treat wellness as part of their everyday lifestyle rather than a separate shopping trip. For a generation of shoppers, the same platforms where they buy back-to-school outfits and activewear are becoming destinations for the products that fuel those activities.

“Five years ago, you wouldn’t expect to find a family nutrition brand next to denim and sneakers,” said Justin Rapoport, Co-CEO of TruHeight. “Today, wellness is part of how families shop for everything. Nordstrom and JCPenney recognize that, and we’re proud to bring family nutrition to their marketplaces.”

The move extends a period of rapid retail growth for TruHeight, which launched in 5,000 CVS stores nationwide in June following its national debut at Target earlier this year, and is also available at iHerb and on Amazon. With the addition of Nordstrom and JCPenney, TruHeight’s products will reach shoppers across drug, mass, e-commerce, and department store channels.

“Every retailer we add is a signal of the trust families place in our brand,” said Eden Stelmach, Co-Founder of TruHeight. “Department stores are where families have shopped together for generations. Meeting them there with simple, clean nutrition products is a natural next step.”

TruHeight products will be available on the Nordstrom and JCPenney marketplaces in the coming weeks, joining the brand’s existing availability at CVS, Target, iHerb, Amazon, and truheightvitamins.com.

About TruHeight
TruHeight is a family nutrition brand offering clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products for kids, teens, and active families. Founded with a commitment to simple ingredients and convenient formats, TruHeight products are available at major retailers nationwide and online at truheightvitamins.com.

Media Contact
TruHeight Vitamins
Kim Brown
419189@email4pr.com
4704265920
truheightvitamins.com

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TrendyMinds Founder Trevor Yager Returns as CEO to Lead Agency’s Next Phase of Growth

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Veteran agency leader returns to accelerate TrendyMinds’ AI capabilities and advance the firm’s evolution as a strategic partner helping organizations drive growth, strengthen reputation, and navigate transformation.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trevor Yager has returned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TrendyMinds, the Indianapolis-based agency he founded in 1995, while continuing to serve as Chairman. In this dual role, Yager has resumed direct involvement in day-to-day leadership, working alongside account and delivery teams on client work in addition to setting the agency’s strategic direction. As CEO, he is leading the company’s next phase of growth by advancing the firm’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities while strengthening its position as a strategic partner to organizations navigating growth and change.

Yager previously transitioned from CEO to Chairman as part of a planned leadership evolution that reflected both the agency’s maturity and his own exploration of future ownership opportunities. As AI has accelerated the pace of change across the industry, reshaping how organizations operate and compete, he made the decision to step back into the CEO role and lead TrendyMinds through its next chapter directly.

“Moving into the Chairman role was the right decision at the time because the Board, including myself, believed TrendyMinds needed to demonstrate it could thrive beyond its founder,” said Yager. “But after more than 30 years of leading through every major technology shift, I believe artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities our industry has ever seen. The environment shifted fast enough that it made sense for me to step back in and lead it personally, continuing to build the capabilities our clients will need and position the agency for what’s next.”

Beginning in 2019, TrendyMinds became increasingly intentional about optimizing the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation capabilities already embedded within the technologies used across the agency. Following a comprehensive assessment of AI-enabled tools and workflows, the agency integrated AI across strategy, research, creative development, marketing operations, and internal business processes while establishing governance, security, and data protection standards to support responsible implementation.

By transforming its own business first, TrendyMinds refined its methodologies, validated new approaches, and built the operational discipline that now informs how it evaluates AI opportunities with clients. Today, TrendyMinds continues to expand its internal AI capabilities through a dedicated team of AI transformation specialists, developing proprietary workflows, audience intelligence tools, and implementation frameworks. Drawing on that experience, the agency helps clients responsibly evaluate and implement AI in ways that align with their business objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.

That experience also enables TrendyMinds to support clients developing innovative AI technologies, including a leading healthcare AI innovator. By combining firsthand AI transformation experience with strategic consulting, communications, and market positioning expertise, the agency helps organizations communicate complex technologies, build trust with stakeholders, and accelerate market adoption.

Founded as a traditional marketing agency more than 30 years ago, TrendyMinds has continually evolved alongside the changing needs of its clients, bringing together strategic consulting, integrated marketing, communications, creative, thought leadership, media relations, digital strategy and development, research, analytics, and emerging technologies.

About TrendyMinds

TrendyMinds is the Agency of Preference®, a multidisciplinary consulting partner helping organizations accelerate growth, strengthen and protect reputation, and navigate transformation. Founded in Indianapolis in 1995, the firm has spent more than 30 years uniting strategic consulting, communications, marketing, creative, technology, and data-driven insight into a single integrated practice built to solve complex business challenges.

Learn more at TrendyMinds.com.

Media Contact:
Claire Gregory
419095@email4pr.com | 317.902.6973

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