Job Description
Join InnovateForward Labs at the forefront of technological evolution as our 2026 Futurist Strategist. This visionary role requires you to architect the future landscape of emerging technologies, driving our R&D roadmap through 2026 and beyond. You'll collaborate with quantum computing researchers, AI ethicists, and biotech pioneers to transform theoretical innovations into market-ready solutions. Ideal candidates possess a rare blend of technical acumen and strategic foresight, capable of navigating exponential technological shifts while aligning them with sustainable business growth.
We offer unparalleled resources—including our proprietary FutureSim Lab—and a culture that values audacious thinking. This position reports directly to our Chief Innovation Officer and includes executive-level influence across our portfolio of 50+ future-focused ventures.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the 2026 Technology Horizon Roadmap, identifying paradigm-shifting innovations in quantum, AI, and biotech
- Lead cross-functional incubation teams to prototype and validate breakthrough technologies
- Produce annual Future Impact Assessments for board-level stakeholders
- Establish strategic partnerships with academic institutions (MIT, Stanford, ETH Zurich) and national labs
- Design and execute scenario-planning models for technological disruption
- Mentor junior futurists through our Future Leaders program
- Represent InnovateForward at global tech foresight forums (WEF, Singularity Summit)
Qualifications
- 10+ years in strategic technology planning with demonstrable impact on future-facing initiatives
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or Futurology (PhD preferred)
- Published research in peer-reviewed journals on emerging tech trends
- Expertise in exponential technology forecasting frameworks (Moore's Law, Wright's Law)
- Proven experience leading $5M+ R&D portfolios
- Certification in Futures Methodology (e.g., CFS from Association of Professional Futurists)
- Fluency in at least two programming languages (Python preferred) and data visualization tools