Nokia unveils plans for new state-of-the-art research and development facility for Nokia Bell Labs in New Brunswick, New Jersey technology hub

Press Release

Nokia unveils plans for new state-of-the-art research and development facility for Nokia Bell Labs in New Brunswick, New Jersey technology hub

11 December 2023

New Brunswick, New Jersey – Nokia today announced plans to relocate its campus in Murray Hill, NJ by 2028 to a new state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility in the burgeoning innovation and technology hub in New Brunswick, NJ. The new leading-edge R&D facility will propel Nokia Bell Labs to adapt and evolve to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and continue contributing to a legacy of innovation in New Jersey.

As the industrial research arm of Nokia, Nokia Bell Labs has always moved ahead of the times to deliver some of the world’s most important technological breakthroughs. From the creation of the world’s first transistor and solar cell to the birth of cellular and satellite communications, Unix, and today’s AI, 6G and industrial automation research, Nokia Bell Labs' Murray Hill campus has been the home to this cutting-edge innovation.

Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, said: “Our Murray Hill campus has been home to iconic Nokia Bell Labs innovation for over 80 years. As we look toward the future of Nokia and Nokia Bell Labs in the region, we will take with us all that makes us exceptional – our vision, brainpower, culture of disruptive innovation, and technical prowess – and marry that legacy with a modern research and development facility that is built to our needs. Ultimately, we want a facility that feels right for the next 100 years of Nokia Bell Labs.”

Collaboration and cooperation are central to the Nokia Bell Labs research model, and therefore increased proximity to an ecosystem of academic centers of excellence, established industry leaders, and exciting new startup ventures was a contributing factor to the site selection. This move will enable Nokia Bell Labs research teams to collaborate in a tightly knit, dynamic campus to develop disruptive technologies in areas including quantum, photonics, optical research, 6G, AI and industrial automation. With bespoke laboratory facilities designed to meet the specific needs and focus areas of award-winning Nokia Bell Labs researchers, Nokia is investing significantly in resources that will continue its legacy of technological breakthroughs for the next century.

The new facility, which will break ground in 2025, will be developed by SJP Properties with community support provided by New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the City of New Brunswick. The new building will meet a minimum requirement of LEED Gold certification to contribute to Nokia’s target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 and deliver a 50% reduction by 2030. Furthermore, the new building will provide a more optimized space utilizing modern technology for increased efficiency.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said: “Since the outset of my Administration, I’ve been determined to ensure that the companies of tomorrow not only plant their flags in New Jersey, but that they expand in a state with our unparalleled combination of talent and location. By announcing its new state-of-the art facility in the Helix, Nokia builds upon its remarkable legacy in the Garden State, a legacy that will continue to produce cutting-edge technologies and contribute to our burgeoning innovation ecosystem. What’s more, Nokia’s presence in New Brunswick’s growing tech hub will generate good-paying jobs and further solidify the city’s standing as a regional leader in the innovation economy.”

Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, said: “Bell Labs has had a storied role in the growth of America’s tech industry. We’re excited to see companies like Nokia continuing to invest in America and support the next generation of technology innovation.”

New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill said: “Nokia’s legacy of innovation and devotion to the development of cutting-edge technologies ensures a lasting impact on the global telecommunications landscape. Nokia Bell Labs’ commitment to New Brunswick as the home for their new research and development facility speaks volumes about the potential and promise our city holds. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit, innovation, and forward-thinking attitude that defines our community. This venture will not only bring economic opportunities to our city, but will also create a hub of creativity and expertise that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of New Brunswick.”

Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Commissioner Director, said: “Middlesex County has been on a journey to cultivate a sustainable economic ecosystem through strategic public and private partnerships. We’re excited to welcome Nokia as the newest tenant of the HELIX, joining a roster of distinguished organizations who prioritize education and value a robust talent pipeline that uniquely exists in our County.”

Tim Sullivan, NJEDA Chief Executive Officer, said: “In the world of innovation, there may be no name more iconic than Bell Labs, and Nokia’s decision to build the next chapter of the Bell Labs story in the heart of New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem is extraordinarily good news. When Governor Murphy took office, he set to work from Day One on recapturing New Jersey’s leadership position in innovation, and today’s news is proof positive that the Governor’s strategy is working.”

Nokia today also announced a new venture studio based in New Jersey for unleashing the commercial potential of Nokia Bell Labs’ innovations outside of the strategic areas Nokia is focused on today. Nokia has solidified long-term partnerships with Celesta Capital and America’s Frontier Fund to collaborate on building and investing in Nokia Bell Labs innovations that support the next generation of critical technology for the US.

Nokia will be sharing details on this new facility on Monday, December 11 at 2pm at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center – Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater and will be joined by federal, state and local government officials. Doors open at 1pm and arrival by 1:30pm is encouraged to allow time for registration.

Resources and additional informationWeb page: Nokia Bell Labs

Web page: SJP Properties

Web page: DEVCO

Web page: NJEDA

Press release: Nokia launches new venture partnerships and venture studio to maximize commercial potential of Nokia Bell Labs’ innovations

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About NokiaAt Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media InquiriesNokia Communications, CorporateEmail: Press.Services@nokia.com

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Nokia launches new venture partnerships and venture studio to maximize commercial potential of Nokia Bell Labs’ innovations

Press Release

Nokia launches new venture partnerships and venture studio to maximize commercial potential of Nokia Bell Labs’ innovations

11 December 2023Murray Hill, New Jersey – Nokia today announced an evolution to its Innovation Framework to unlock the full commercial potential of Nokia Bell Labs’ innovations across industries and expand efforts in external startup creation in the US with new partnerships and a new venture studio located in New Jersey.

Nokia Bell Labs is a world-renowned idea factory and has a rich history of innovation with 10 Nobel Prizes to its credit. Bell Labs contributions to technology have been pivotal in shaping the world we live in today with pioneering breakthroughs such as the world’s first transistor and solar cell, the birth of cellular and satellite communications and the invention of information theory and Unix.

As the industrial research arm of Nokia, Nokia Bell Labs creates world-leading, disruptive innovations and transfers technology to deliver value to Nokia’s business groups for product differentiation and time-to-market advantages. In 2021, Nokia launched its Innovation Framework to create alternate pathways to capture value for innovations that fall outside its current business lines, including setting up an internal incubator for new business creation, expanding technology licensing to new or established companies, and establishing Fund V with NGP Capital to invest in far adjacencies.

With the new venture partnerships and venture studio, Nokia Bell Labs harnesses the ability to commercialize its innovations that are further adjacent to Nokia’s strategy, or that can flourish better outside Nokia. By collaborating with seasoned venture partners, Nokia Bell Labs will be able to create and invest in strategic startups and industrialize external ventures to maximize long-term value creation for Nokia.

To launch this effort, Nokia has solidified long-term strategic partnerships with America’s Frontier Fund (AFF), Roadrunner Venture Studios (RVS) and Celesta Capital to accelerate the commercialization of deep technology pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs. This collaboration aims to take advantage of Nokia Bell Labs research efforts in areas targeting advanced 5G/6G communications, next-generation semiconductor and optical chip design and packaging, AI/ML, sensors and quantum computing. AFF and RVS will contribute venture building and investments to drive innovation across multiple industries and establish the next generation of critical technology in the US. Celesta Capital will capitalize, lead and scale Nokia-backed ventures to accelerate their growth.

Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, said: “Nokia Bell Labs is a global beacon of innovation. The new venture studio collaboration and partnerships combine Nokia Bell Labs’ robust IP portfolio and research expertise with America's Frontier Fund and Roadrunner Venture Studios’ teams of seasoned builders, and Celesta Capital’s excellent investment track record and operational prowess to commercialize and scale new startups for long-term value creation and nurture leading companies in crucial technological domains for years to come.”

Gilman Louie, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Frontier Fund, said: “America's Frontier Fund is excited to partner with Nokia Bell Labs, which has been at the forefront of American innovation for 98 years. Together, with Roadrunner Venture Studios, we will continue this tradition and lead the way in frontier technology for another century.”

Adam Hammer, Co-founder of Roadrunner Venture Studios, said: “The legacy of scientific discovery and innovation at Bell Labs helped inspire our mission to create disruptive companies from scientific breakthroughs. Together, we will build a premier venture studio on that legacy by bringing to market remarkable companies emerging out of this iconic American research institution.”

Sriram Viswanathan, Founding Managing Partner of Celesta Capital, said: “Celesta Capital is excited to align with Nokia, leveraging its unparalleled strength in industrial research and its rich technology portfolio. We believe this collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs will harness Celesta Capital’s unique capabilities in identifying, nurturing, and developing high-potential technologies into the leading deep tech companies of tomorrow.”

Resources and additional informationWebsite: America’s Frontier FundWebsite: Roadrunner Venture StudiosWebsite: Celesta Capital

About NokiaAt Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About America’s Frontier FundAmerica's Frontier Fund (AFF) focuses on maintaining U.S. leadership in science, technology, innovation, and manufacturing. AFF generates new companies via Roadrunner Venture Studios, funds early-stage ventures through its venture Frontier Fund, and partners with our allies through the Quad Investors Network. AFF's core emphasis is on artificial intelligence, advanced communications, advanced manufacturing, synthetic biology, energy, microelectronics, and other crucial, emerging technologies shaping the future.

About Roadrunner Venture StudiosRoadrunner Venture Studios is building a nationwide network of venture studios to advance U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. We co-found breakthrough deep-tech ventures with the nation’s most brilliant scientists, engineers, and innovators. Roadrunner is the ultimate company “starter-kit,” equipping portfolio companies with everything they need to go from the kernel of an idea to a venture-backed growth engine.

About Celesta CapitalCelesta Capital is a global multi-stage deep technology venture capital firm. Led by technology industry veterans with decades of investment and operational experience, Celesta Capital boasts a passion and proven track record for building and scaling global businesses. Established in 2013, Celesta holds a portfolio of over 100 early-stage technology investments. Learn more at https://celesta.vc.

Media inquiriesNokia Communications, CorporateEmail: Press.Services@nokia.com

Celesta CapitalTrevor DeWitt, Head of MarketingEmail: trevor@celesta.vc

America's Frontier FundAlex El-Fakir, Director of CommunicationsEmail: alex@americasfrontier.org

Roadrunner Venture StudiosChris Haugh, Senior AdvisorEmail: chris@roadrunnerstudios.com

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