Urbasi Sinha Wins Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025
Professor Urbasi Sinha, a distinguished faculty member in the Light and Matter Physics theme at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), has been awarded the prestigious Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at Cambridge, UK.
As the head of the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at RRI, Professor Sinha has led her team to significant advancements in quantum communication, computing, and optics. Her lab was among the first in India to develop and utilize heralded and entangled photon sources for various applications, marking a milestone in the nation’s quantum research capabilities.
Professor Sinha plays a pivotal role in India’s ‘National Quantum Mission,’ an initiative aimed at propelling the country to the forefront of global quantum innovation. Her leadership is instrumental in fostering research and development in quantum technologies, aligning with national objectives to enhance technological competitiveness.
Beyond her contributions in India, Professor Sinha has been recognized globally. She was awarded the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies at the University of Calgary, Canada. Additionally, she has been a driving force behind the creation of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a pioneering multi-stakeholder institution launched at CERN in March 2024.
The Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize nomination highlighted Professor Sinha’s vision and dedication, stating that she is “paving the way for a future where quantum computing serves as a catalyst for solving humanity’s most pressing issues, embodying the true spirit of science in service of global progress.”
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Professor Urbasi Sinha, faculty at Raman Research Institute (RRI), won the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025. |
| Award | Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025, conferred by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at Cambridge, UK. |
| Associated Institution | Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, India. |
| Role | Head of Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at RRI. |
| Contribution | Pioneered advancements in quantum communication, computing, and optics; led research on entangled photon sources. |
| National Initiative | Key figure in India’s National Quantum Mission. |
| International Role | Contributed to the launch of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN in 2024. |
| Past Recognition | Awarded the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies. |
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