Nokia Bell Labs has unveiled plans for its new headquarters in New Brunswick, New Jersey, marking a significant investment in the future of research and innovation. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 4, 2023, as the company celebrates its centenary, having first established its presence in Murray Hill, New Jersey, where it has been pivotal in numerous technological advancements.
The new headquarters, named the Health and Life Science Exchange 2 (HELIX 2), will span a substantial 34,374 square meters and stand ten stories tall. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This facility is part of a broader initiative to develop a new innovation district in New Brunswick, which aims to attract research laboratories, workspaces, and office suites for startups.
During the ceremony, notable attendees included Thierry E. Klein, president of Bell Labs solutions research, and Peter Vetter, president of Bell Labs core research, both of whom are recognized as IEEE Fellows. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill were also present, highlighting the significance of this new venture for the local and state economy.
“This groundbreaking marks a new and exciting chapter in Bell Labs’ long history in New Jersey,” Klein stated. He emphasized that the new location would enhance the company’s innovation capabilities by providing closer access to academic institutions like Princeton University and Rutgers University. Klein noted, “This is going to be home for Bell Labs for a very, very long time.”
Commitment to Innovation
Governor Murphy praised the decision to remain in New Jersey, stating, “For over a century, Bell Labs has transformed our state, our nation, and the world.” He underscored the importance of this institution, describing it as “an iconic and globally unique” entity. The governor also highlighted that this new facility will serve as a foundation for advancements in quantum physics, generative artificial intelligence, and optical communications.
As part of his vision to position New Jersey at the forefront of innovation, Murphy announced plans in 2018 to create 12 innovation hubs across the state. The first of these, the HELIX 1 building, is set to open next year and will host Rutgers’ medical school and translational research institute. The new facilities will provide modern, furnished offices and laboratories equipped with advanced scientific equipment, with tenants expected to include Hackensack Meridian Health and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health.
New Brunswick has a rich history of innovation, home to renowned companies like Johnson & Johnson. Mayor Cahill remarked on the city’s legacy, recalling how the Johnson brothers and Thomas Edison would discuss advancements in technology at local establishments.
Focus on Sustainable Research
Klein articulated that the new Nokia Bell Labs headquarters will cater specifically to the needs of research scientists, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability. He described the facility as “a modern, low-carbon environment” that will enhance the research capabilities of its tenants.
This relocation marks a significant moment in Bell Labs’ history. The organization has moved its headquarters several times since its establishment, originally setting up in New York City in 1925 before relocating to Murray Hill in 1941. Major innovations, including the transistor and cellular networks, were developed during that period. Vetter expressed optimism that the move to New Brunswick will serve as a catalyst for breakthroughs in areas such as 7G technology and quantum computing.
“We like to say that if somebody has a problem in the real world and you solve it in the lab but you don’t make that leap of technology into the real world, the problem still exists,” Vetter explained. He emphasized the importance of commercializing technologies developed in research labs to ensure they benefit society.
On October 21, 2023, Bell Labs will further celebrate its legacy with a ceremony in Murray Hill, where several innovations will be designated as IEEE Milestones. This recognition highlights the remarkable contributions Bell Labs has made in various fields, including three Nobel Prize-winning technologies.
The establishment of the HELIX 2 headquarters not only signifies a new chapter for Nokia Bell Labs but also reinforces New Jersey’s position as a hub for technological advancement and innovation.
