Nokia Bell Labs has officially broken ground on its new headquarters in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The ceremony took place on September 4, 2023, as the research organization celebrates its centennial anniversary, highlighting a century of innovation that includes the development of the microprocessor and contributions to cosmology. The new facility, known as the Health and Life Science Exchange 2, or HELIX 2, is part of a larger initiative to create an innovation district aimed at attracting research labs and startups.
The planned 10-story building will span approximately 34,374 square meters and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Located about 32 kilometers south of the historic site in Murray Hill, where significant advancements in technology have taken place, the new headquarters aims to foster collaboration and innovation.
Thierry E. Klein, president of Bell Labs solutions research, emphasized the strategic advantages of the new site during the ceremony. He stated, “Today’s groundbreaking marks a new and exciting chapter in Bell Labs’ long history in New Jersey.” Klein noted that the location will facilitate greater access to academic institutions such as Princeton, Rutgers, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, enhancing the organization’s capacity for innovation.
The groundbreaking event was attended by several dignitaries, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill. Murphy highlighted the significance of Nokia Bell Labs to the state’s legacy of innovation, stating, “For over a century, Bell Labs has transformed our state, our nation, and the world.” The governor reiterated the commitment to establishing New Jersey as a hub for technological advancement, referencing the creation of twelve innovation hubs that aim to attract entrepreneurs and startups.
Facility and Future Plans
The HELIX 2 building is the second of three structures planned within the innovation district. The first, HELIX 1, is set to open next year and will house facilities for Rutgers’ medical school and translational research institute. The new headquarters is designed to meet the evolving needs of research scientists, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories and office spaces equipped with modern scientific tools.
Klein described the new facility as “efficient, modern, and low-carbon,” emphasizing its sustainable design. He stated, “Our researchers will have access to the best facility possible. That is our dream.” The focus on sustainability aligns with broader efforts to address environmental concerns in technological research and development.
The historical significance of New Brunswick as an innovation hub was underscored by Mayor Cahill, who reflected on the city’s connection to notable figures such as Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein. He noted that New Brunswick has long been a center for innovation, exemplified by the presence of companies like Johnson & Johnson.
Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
Nokia Bell Labs has a storied history of technological breakthroughs, including the invention of the transistor and developments in cellular technology. As the organization prepares for its move, Peter Vetter, president of Bell Labs core research, expressed optimism about future innovations. He stated, “I want to think that our move will again be a catalyst for breakthrough innovations to happen in the decade after we move in.”
The new headquarters is not just about research; it aims to create pathways for bringing technological advancements into practical application. Vetter emphasized the importance of commercialization, stating, “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.”
In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, Nokia Bell Labs plans to celebrate its technological achievements on October 21, 2023, in Murray Hill, where several innovations will be recognized as IEEE Milestones. This acknowledgment highlights the lasting impact of Bell Labs on the fields of science and technology, including significant contributions that have received Nobel Prizes.
As Nokia Bell Labs embarks on this new chapter, the organization remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that will shape the future of technology in New Jersey and beyond.
