The Infosys Prize 2026 in Physical Sciences is awarded to Prof. Manoj Kumar Joshi for his pioneering work with trapped ions, creating programmable quantum machines that reveal how complex quantum systems behave and turning the promise of quantum simulation into experimental reality. Quantum computers and simulators promise to unlock discoveries beyond the reach of classical computers, transforming our understanding of matter and opening new possibilities in materials science and chemistry.
Scope and Impact of Work
Quantum computing and quantum simulation are driving the transition from quantum science to quantum technologies, with the potential to transform computation, materials discovery and our understanding of nature. Quantum simulators are special-purpose quantum computers designed to solve quantum many-body problems, including those that challenge even the most powerful classical computers. By making complex quantum phenomena accessible to controlled experiments, they provide a bridge between fundamental discoveries and technologies that could revolutionize science and industry.
Prof. Manoj Joshi’s work presents seminal advances in developing and demonstrating quantum simulation with trapped ions. His innovations in cooling, individual control and measurement helped scale programmable simulators from approximately 20 to more than 50 qubits, expanding both their capabilities and their scientific reach.
Prof. Joshi contributed decisively to realizing the Schwinger model, bringing lattice gauge theory simulation into the quantum laboratory. He played a leading role in observing the quantum Mpemba effect, demonstrating that quantum states initially farther from symmetry can restore it faster.
A focal achievement is his experimental leadership in reconstructing entanglement Hamiltonians in a 51-ion simulator, revealing how different parts of a quantum system are entangled. By characterizing subsystems of up to 20 sites, this work tested Bisognano-Wichmann predictions from quantum field theory and revealed the transition from area-law to volume-law entanglement.
Together, these achievements demonstrate how scalable quantum hardware and innovative measurements turn abstract theoretical ideas into experimentally accessible physics, advancing the tools needed to investigate complex quantum matter and develop future quantum technologies.
Bio
Manoj Kumar Joshi is an Assistant Professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, which he joined in April 2026. Educated in India, he earned a bachelor's degree from Kumaun University, an M.Sc. in Physics from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, and a postgraduate diploma in Physics (Nuclear Science) from the Homi Bhabha National Institute.
Prof. Joshi worked as a Scientific Officer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre before undertaking doctoral studies at Imperial College London. He received his Ph.D. in 2018 under Richard Thompson, researching coherent dynamics of trapped ions. From 2018 to 2026, he worked at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Innsbruck with Rainer Blatt and Christian Roos.
Manoj K. Joshi’s research combines scalable trapped-ion control, quantum simulation, entanglement characterization and quantum sensing, alongside sustained engagement in mentoring young researchers through teaching and supervision.
Timeline
Jury Citation
Quantum computing and quantum simulation are advancing the transition from quantum science to quantum technologies. Quantum simulators are special-purpose quantum computers for exploring complex many-body physics, including problems beyond classical computational reach.
Prof. Manoj Kumar Joshi receives the Infosys Prize 2026 in Physical Sciences for seminal advances in developing and demonstrating scalable trapped-ion quantum simulation. His innovations in cooling, control and measurement enabled programmable simulators with more than 50 ions. Prof. Joshi contributed decisively to realizing the Schwinger model, bringing lattice gauge theory simulations into the laboratory, and played a leading role in observing the quantum Mpemba effect, where states initially farther from symmetry can restore it faster.
Joshi’s experimental leadership in reconstructing entanglement Hamiltonians in a 51-ion simulator tested Bisognano-Wichmann predictions adapted to lattice systems and revealed the transition from area-law to volume-law entanglement. His work unites fundamental discovery with technological innovation.
Manoj Kumar Joshi
The Infosys Prize 2026 in Physical Sciences is awarded to Manoj Kumar Joshi for his pioneering contributions to programmable trapped ion quantum simulations which revealed the structure of many-body entanglement, thereby connecting precise quantum control with fundamental questions in quantum field theory and nonequilibrium physics. Congratulations Manoj for a most well-deserved prize.
