A benchmark for the corporate mavericks determined to shape tomorrow
Welcome to a different kind of report for a different kind of CXO. The Deep Tech Index 2026 is a first-of-a-kind report where global leaders dissect their innovation challenges to shine a light on what’s standing between ambition and breakthrough – and what it takes to prevail. We invite you to digest it, measure yourself against it, and chart your progress on this moving frontier.
“My hope is that the Deep Tech Index encourages you to think bigger, act with confidence and build the capabilities needed to compete on a frontier that is constantly moving. I firmly believe that the leaders who grasp the compounding value of deep tech will be the ones who discover new ways to win – and leave a legacy for the next era of progress.”
Inside the minds of innovation leaders
senior leaders surveyed
A global view of innovation readiness for those responsible for setting the boardroom agenda and delivering business outcomes.
in-depth interviews
Insights from those responsible for setting the boardroom agenda and delivering business outcomes.
industries benchmarked
A cross-sector view of the opportunities, barriers and behaviours shaping innovation decisions.
Innovation dimensions explored
From leadership and culture to financial pressures, organisational readiness, operational agility and external forces.
DEEP TECH INNOVATION
FOR THE AGE OF AI
YOUR new WAY TO WIN
Mike Dunkley
EVP & President, North America
Cambridge Consultants
The corporate maverick
“One of the most encouraging findings in the index is that leaders are not short of ambition. Across industries, there is overwhelming belief in the importance of innovation and a strong sense of personal responsibility for making it happen. The focus now is on translating that intent into outcomes.
“The most effective innovators are rarely defined by a single mindset. They know when to challenge assumptions and when to build consensus. They can imagine boldly, navigate complexity and maintain momentum when uncertainty starts to slow progress. Different situations demand different strengths.
“That is what I think of as the corporate maverick. Not a rebel for the sake of it, but someone with the curiosity to explore new possibilities, the conviction to back them and the judgement to turn promising ideas into real-world impact. Vision, execution, ambition and action all have a role to play. The leaders who shape tomorrow understand when each is needed.”
Our deep tech guides
Want a new way to win? Let’s talk
Richard Traherne
CEO
Tim Fowler
Chief Commercial Officer
Joe Corrigan
Chief Technology Officer
Ashley Hawson
SVP, Innovation & Operations
Catherine Joce
Head of Sustainability
