STOCKHOLM — The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday to researchers whose work on quantum error correction advanced the path toward fault-tolerant quantum computers. The committee announced the laureates at a press conference in Stockholm.

The Nobel Committee for Physics recognised the recipients for experimental and theoretical breakthroughs that allowed quantum systems to detect and correct errors faster than they accumulate. That threshold, long sought by physicists, is considered essential for building practical quantum machines. The prize carries an award of 11 million Swedish kronor, shared among the laureates.

The announcement followed Monday's prize in Physiology or Medicine and precedes the Chemistry award on Wednesday. In recent years, the physics committee has favoured foundational quantum research, including the 2022 award for work on quantum entanglement and Bell inequalities.

Error correction has been a dominant theme across laboratories at Google, IBM and academic groups, which reported crossing key error-rate thresholds in demonstrations over the past two years. Academy officials have emphasised recognising discoveries whose practical impact has become clear.

Technology firms investing heavily in quantum hardware welcomed the recognition, arguing it validated a field that has drawn billions in funding while facing scepticism over commercial timelines. The laureates are expected to deliver their Nobel lectures in December, with the formal ceremony held in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.