Lodha Foundation has announced the launch of its Lodha Theoretical Physics Institute (LTPI), a privately funded institute that the Foundation says has attracted global talent.

The LTPI, led by Professor Jainendra Jain, a recipient of the Wolf Prize, will encourage bold ideas in fundamental physics, the Foundation said, adding that it is envisioned as a dedicated centre for fundamental research in theoretical physics in India. 

It seeks to address the need for sustained, long-term inquiry by creating an academic environment that enables focused research programmes, international conferences, and meaningful collaboration among leading scientists from India and across the world.  

“We believe that the pursuit of excellence in everything that we do is extremely important to creating the biggest possible impact,” said Abhishek Lodha, Trustee Lodha Foundation and MD and CEO, Lodha Developers. 

“Whether it is identifying geniuses from across the country and putting them on accelerated programs, or investing in urban sustainability solutions, or aiding and promoting innovation and research through Lodha Mathematical Sciences Institute and now LTPI, we want to contribute meaningfully in India’s momentous journey towards becoming a developed nation,” he said. 

The LTPI is founded on the vision that transformative technological eras are preceded by revolutions in the fundamental sciences. It will serve as a dedicated centre for fundamental research in India, attracting the best minds from around the world and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. 

By bringing together exceptional faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and long term visitors, the Institute will provide intellectual freedom, stability, a collaborative spirit, and the courage to pursue deep questions and bold ideas, enabling discoveries whose impact will unfold over decades.

”The most extraordinary minds from across the world to come together and spend time freely thinking about physics without any encumbrances,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, Chief Mentor, Lodha Foundation.

“When extraordinary minds get together, they produce extraordinary results and this is a bet we are taking for India,” he added.

The LTPI will be headed by Founding Director, Prof. Jainendra K, a theoretical physicist and a recipient of the Oliver E. Buckley Prize and the Wolf Prize in Physics. 

His discovery of emergent particles called composite fermions, and the theory describing them, has profoundly advanced the understanding of correlated quantum matter and continues to shape modern theoretical physics.

“We know that theoretical physics lies at the heart of our understanding of nature. Advances in theoretical physics have historically shaped scientific thought and laid the groundwork for transformative developments across disciplines,” Prof Jain said. 

“To become a developed nation by 2047, it will be incumbent upon India to build strong institutions with world-class scientific research infrastructure. The LTPI will be an especially significant effort in that direction as it will be the first fully privately funded physics institute in India,” he added.