Week in NJ - December 15th, 2023
Nokia Unveils Plans for New State-of-the-art Research and Development Facility for Nokia Bell Labs in New Brunswick, New Jersey Technology Hub
Nokia this week 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
“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," said Governor Murphy. "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.”
“Our Murray Hill campus has been home to iconic Nokia Bell Labs innovation for over 80 years," said Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia. "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.”
First Lady Tammy Murphy Announces Appointment of Six Public Board Members of the New Jersey Maternal Infant Health Innovation Authority
First Lady Tammy Murphy announced that six public members have been appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to serve on the Board of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority. In July, Governor Murphy signed S3864, also known as the “New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center Act”, which created the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (Authority). The Authority is tasked with overseeing the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center based in Trenton and will be the government entity that continues the vital work of Nurture NJ for years to come. Nurture NJ is the statewide program that was launched by First Lady Tammy Murphy in 2019 to reduce the maternal and infant mortality epidemic in New Jersey and ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities.
“After careful consideration, I am pleased to appoint six public members to the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority Board,” said Governor Murphy. “These individuals have a wide-range of experience when it comes to maternal and infant health care and have been dedicated to the mothers and babies of our state for years. The Authority Board will be instrumental in moving us closer to the building of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton, which will have a lasting impact on our Capital City.”
“The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority Board will have the enormous responsibility of overseeing the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton from concept to completion and beyond, which is why we carefully selected each representative following a thorough and thoughtful review process,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am so grateful to the public members who have agreed to join the board. Each individual as demonstrated by their dedicated body of work has inspired and impacted our Nurture NJ initiative, and I know firsthand they will continue to make valuable contributions to the task ahead.”
Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin Mark Two-Year Anniversary of New Jersey's ARRIVE Together Alternative Response Program
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together program is now operational in all 21 New Jersey counties, a milestone reached just as the program marks its two-year anniversary.
Governor Phil Murphy joined Attorney General Platkin and law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community leaders from across New Jersey in Trenton to mark the anniversary and to hear from ARRIVE team members about the ways the program has changed how law enforcement responds to emergency calls that have a mental health component.
“Together, we have worked across agencies and across fields of expertise to pioneer a new model for public safety – one that ensures that our most vulnerable residents get the help they need when they need it while also preventing members of law enforcement from being overextended and overwhelmed,” said Governor Murphy. “At a time when leaders across America are grappling with fundamental questions about the future of our justice system, here in New Jersey, we have illuminated a path forward that other states would be wise to follow. With the ARRIVE Together program, we have proven that we do not have to accept any trade-offs when it comes to protecting the safety and well-being of our residents.”
“ARRIVE Together has transformed the way New Jersey responds when our residents are experiencing mental health emergencies,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Partnerships between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community leaders across our state have made ARRIVE possible. With the ongoing support of Governor Murphy and the Legislature, New Jerseyans now have access to much-needed mental health services in every county in our state. ARRIVE’s presence in all 21 counties means New Jersey is the first state in the nation to offer a statewide alternative response program.”
Statement From Governor Murphy Applauding the Confirmation of 11 New Superior Court Judges
“For the past six years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring vacancies in our courts are filled by highly qualified individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering devotion to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. I am especially proud that my Administration has worked closely with the Senate to increase the diversity of our judges, ensuring that the bench looks more like the people of our state. Today's slate of 11 new judges, both majority women and majority candidates of color, will undoubtedly make significant contributions to our state’s judiciary.
“I thank Senate President Scutari, Senate Judiciary Chairman Stack, and the rest of the Senate for moving the nominees through the confirmation process and look forward to continuing to work with the Senate to advance the other Superior Court nominations that are pending, as well as nominating additional candidates in the coming weeks.”
Ready for NJ's Close Up: The Garden State Must Continue to Welcome the Film Industry
Op-Ed written by NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan for NorthJersey.com:
When Oscar-worthy movies or critically acclaimed shows are filmed in New Jersey, it’s more than just glitz and glam. It goes beyond A-list celebrity sightings and lavish wrap parties. Sure, it’s bragworthy when a top film franchise or high-rated television show is filmed in your hometown and it’s fun to point out iconic landmarks when they appear on the screen. But when Tinseltown meets the Garden State, what does it mean for everyday New Jerseyans?With the actors and writers strikes now resolved, New Jersey’s film industry is back open for business. I recently led a delegation of state officials on a trip to California to pitch the value of filming in New Jersey. We met with executives from major studios and production companies who are excited to start filming in the Garden State.