The founder of India’s first internationally competitive single-photon-based quantum optics laboratory, Professor Urbasi Sinha, has driven quantum science advancement through experimental breakthroughs, policy leadership, and transformative mentorship.

Sinha’s lab at the Raman Research Institute pioneered quantum infrastructure where none existed, focusing on quantum communication and computation and precision tests of the foundations of quantum mechanics, including the superposition principle and Born Rule. Her leadership extends nationally as a key architect of the Indian National Quantum Mission, and she now convenes multi-institutional efforts toward positioning India for next-generation quantum infrastructure.

Her research contributions span fundamental physics and practical applications. Sinha demonstrated India’s first free-space quantum communication experiment, establishing foundations for satellite-based secure communications. Her results—from achieving the world’s first loophole-free violation of the LG inequalities to leveraging it for certified quantum random number generation—bridge fundamental tests of quantum mechanics with real-world applications. Her team also developed innovative quantum-state-determination techniques with applications across computing, communication, and metrology.

Beyond research, Sinha has become an influential figure for representation in Indian science. She operates under an open lab environment, providing access and mentorship to students while consistently advocating for equality and justice in institutional settings. Her approach is shaping both breakthroughs in research and the community culture in India’s expanding quantum ecosystem.