In algebraic topology, a branch of mathematics, a homotopy sphere is a manifold homotopy equivalent to an n-sphere. It thus has the same homotopy groups, and a fortiori the same homology groups, as a sphere. So every homotopy sphere is an homology sphere.

The generalized Poincaré conjecture is that any homotopy sphere is a sphere; see the article Poincaré conjecture for more details.

See also

• Homology sphere
• Homotopy groups of spheres
• Poincaré conjecture