Bell Labs to extend R&D in Ireland

Since it was set up in 2005 Bell Labs Ireland has collaborated with academic and business communities through an Open Innovation programme in areas such as telecommunications, supply chain and the environment. The expansion, which will see 75 more researchers employed at the labs, will provide more opportunities for collaboration.

Coughlan said, “Bell Labs plays a hugely significant part in the Irish research eco-system. Its uniquely open approach to innovation and the sharing of ideas will advance technological development and accelerate growth amongst Irish companies, bolstering our long-term economic expansion.”

Kim said, “We are looking forward to expanding our research activities in Ireland and generating innovative technologies by taking advantage of the close relationships we have developed with the business and academic community.”

Through its open innovation model, Bell Labs Ireland has contributed to projects including Science Foundation Ireland-supported Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research (CTVR), a collaborative research centre involving seven Irish universities.

Bell Labs Ireland has a focus on energy management, giving rise to a 3-dimensional heat sink design that reduces the energy required to cool communications systems by more than 25 per cent, a significant impact given that up to 50 per cent of the total power consumption of a telecommunications equipment cabinet is expended on cooling.