Nokia Bell Labs has officially commenced construction on its new headquarters in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 4, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the research organization, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in May 2023 at its original campus in Murray Hill.
The new facility, named the Health and Life Science Exchange 2, or HELIX 2, will span 34,374 square meters across ten stories. Located approximately 32 kilometers south of the Murray Hill campus, the HELIX 2 is part of a broader initiative to create an innovation district in New Brunswick. This district aims to attract research labs, office spaces, and startups, fostering an environment conducive to technological advancements.
Prominent figures attended the ceremony, including Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, and key executives from Nokia Bell Labs, such as Thierry E. Klein and Peter Vetter, both of whom are IEEE Fellows. Klein expressed excitement about the new development, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking marks a new and exciting chapter in Bell Labs’ long history in New Jersey.” He emphasized that the new location would enhance their innovation capabilities and draw in talent from leading academic institutions.
Strategic Location and Future Prospects
Klein highlighted the advantages of the new site, noting its proximity to prestigious universities such as Princeton, Rutgers, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. This location is seen as vital for attracting a new generation of researchers and innovators. “Access to universities is incomparable,” he stated, pointing out that this move is intended to establish a long-term home for Bell Labs.
Governor Murphy reflected on New Jersey’s rich history of innovation, crediting Bell Labs with transformative contributions to the state and the world. He remarked, “For over a century, Bell Labs has transformed our state, our nation, and the world. This is literally an iconic and globally unique institution.” He also underscored the state’s commitment to fostering innovation by establishing 12 innovation hubs throughout New Jersey, with the first hub, HELIX 1, set to open next year.
The new headquarters will include state-of-the-art facilities designed for research scientists, featuring modern, low-carbon technologies that promote sustainability. Klein noted, “Our researchers will have access to the best facility possible,” aiming to enhance the quality of research conducted at Bell Labs.
A Legacy of Innovation and Future Goals
Nokia Bell Labs has a storied history, having relocated several times since its establishment. Originally set up in New York City in 1925, the laboratory moved to Murray Hill in 1941, where groundbreaking advancements such as the transistor and cellular networks were developed. Vetter expressed optimism that the new headquarters would catalyze further innovations in fields like 7G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
As part of its ongoing commitment to real-world applications, Vetter emphasized the importance of translating research into tangible solutions. “If somebody has a problem in the real world and you solve it in the lab but don’t make that leap into the real world, the problem still exists,” he explained. This perspective aligns with the overall mission of Nokia Bell Labs to create technologies that not only push boundaries but also foster the commercial entities that will bring these innovations to market.
On October 21, 2023, an additional celebration is planned at the Murray Hill campus, where several technologies developed at Bell Labs will be recognized as IEEE Milestones. These include innovations that have earned Nobel Prizes, such as super-resolved microscopy and the charge-coupled device. The event signifies both the historical significance and the ongoing impact of Bell Labs in the field of technology.
As Nokia Bell Labs embarks on this new chapter, its leaders remain focused on continuing their legacy of excellence and innovation, ensuring that New Jersey remains a vital hub for technological advancement in the years to come.