The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Nokia Bell Labs have announced a collaboration to establish a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) in New Jersey. This initiative will comprise the NJ Nokia Bell Labs Innovation Center and the Bell Labs Venture Studio, aiming to accelerate and commercialize intellectual property from Nokia Bell Labs and local universities, focusing on communication, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, optical, and wireless networks.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the significance of this partnership with Nokia Bell Labs by stating: “For a century, Nokia Bell Labs has been a world-class leader in research and development and our partnership with them sends a clear message that when it comes to technology and innovation, the Garden State is the place to be.” The Governor highlighted how the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative supports entrepreneurs by providing office space, lab facilities, networking opportunities, and collaborative environments.
Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of NJEDA, noted: “Bell Labs has long been at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation and this partnership will help bring new technologies to the marketplace and bolster New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem.” He added that Governor Murphy has prioritized reestablishing New Jersey as an innovation leader since taking office.
The NJEDA plans to invest $25 million into these initiatives. The NJ Nokia Bell Labs Innovation Center will occupy 13,500 square feet at the planned Health & Life Science Exchange (HELIX) 2 building in New Brunswick by 2028. The center aims to provide emerging companies with business training, operating services, physical space, and management guidance. Pending Board approval, NJEDA intends to match its $10 million investment with contributions from Nokia.
Nokia Chief Strategy and Technology Officer Nishant Batra expressed enthusiasm for this venture: “Nokia Bell Labs has a long-standing commitment to innovation and excellence in New Jersey. Our partnership with NJEDA...is a testament to our dedication to fostering cutting-edge research.”
Additionally, Thierry Klein of Nokia Bell Labs Solutions Research commented on their centennial celebration aligning with launching these initiatives: “This initiative will not only create new opportunities for emerging startups in New Jersey but also unlock potential groundbreaking innovations.”
Speaker Craig Coughlin acknowledged this development's importance: “Through this partnership we are driving economic growth...It was legislation like the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 that shows world-class companies like Nokia that New Jersey is ready...to make smart strategic investments."
SICs support R&D through mentorship programs alongside business support services offered via accelerators or incubators such as those planned here; fostering collaboration among diverse innovators could stimulate long-term economic growth across regions involved.
