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    Entrepreneurs in Residence

We partner with entrepreneurs to rapidly translate groundbreaking research into commercially successful ventures and Nokia products and services. Together we bring a wealth of experience to venture building, coupled with a hands-on approach that drives results including internal funding instruments. Our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) bring invaluable market knowledge, industry expertise and business acumen to the table.

We support our venture builders and co-founders to discover and solve real world business problems, uncover promising opportunities and bring innovative solutions in the areas of industrial automation, advanced AI, Web3, edge/cloud computing to market.

Our EIR program embraces a lean startup methodology, fostering rapid progress and driving successful venture building activities.

How are we accelerating innovation?

Innovation is the process of taking new ideas or inventions and commercializing products, services and solutions that provide positive outcomes – improving productivity, efficiencies, sustainability and addressing unmet needs.

Our Nokia Bell Labs researchers are creating the next evolution of technology in AI, software, Web3, AI in industrial automation, robotics and communications. Our EIRs accelerate the time to innovation by identifying new markets and opportunities, challenging the status quo, thinking outside the box and identifying go-to-market models. Through this collaboration we accelerate time to value.

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Who are our EIRs?

We are actively working with numerous EIRs across the world to accelerate Nokia Bell Labs innovations:

Otto Soderlund

"As entrepreneurs, we don’t look at it as ‘What can this technology do?’ but rather ‘What problem is worth solving?"

 

Valtteri Tuominen and Ville Riikkala

"It’s an effective combination of embracing an exploratory mindset while managing risk and increasing the chances of discovering the next unicorn venture."

 

Mikko Alasaarela

"The Ambion project stands as a promising example of how corporations can successfully foster and support internal innovation."

 

How does our EIR program work?

There are four simple phases on how we are building ventures with EIRs

EIR timeline and phases

1

Phase 1 - Market understanding

We work to understand the value potential of our technology and solutions by refining our hypotheses through collaboration with vertical and domain experts. This involves rapid sprints with entrepreneurs from targeted sectors, resulting in validated assumptions and proposals that pinpoint areas of maximum value.

2

Phase 2 - Value discovery

We uncover recurring use cases in promising markets, plan product/market fit testing and consider incorporation. Engaging with customers outside the lab sharpens our initial hypothesis, providing an early chance to pivot. By working with domain-savvy Entrepreneurs in Residence, we start building co-founder setups and teams to bring the ventures to life, resulting in pre-seed pitches that secure initial runways and build traction beyond the lab.

3

Phase 3 - Pre-seed

We test the commercial value of our technology by working outside the lab on real customer cases that demonstrate recurring use cases. To ensure the right value creation path, we focus on achieving product/market fit. We encourage a risk-taking, entrepreneurial approach, leading to a seed-level pitch aimed at scaling the business. At this stage, the venture may be incorporated and spun out or moved to an internal incubator.

4

Phase 4 - Spin-out/Spin-in/Licensing

We focus on scaling the business according to the venture’s strategy and actively pursue the next funding opportunities. Our goal is to achieve growth milestones that lead to a spin-out, spin-in or licensing deal.

Where are the opportunities to engage with us?

Opportunities for collaboration between Nokia Bell Labs and entrepreneurs focuses on three areas, aligned with our research.

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AI and Data: Systems and Foundations

We’re shaping the future of software and data by bringing multi-sensory reality to life, unlocking AI’s full potential, prioritizing privacy and security, and empowering individuals through Web3 and decentralization. Join us in building an innovative, inclusive future.

 

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AI in Communications and Computing

We are pioneering responsible, transformative AI to reshape industries and networks. We’re enhancing human capabilities, revolutionizing decision-making and solving complex challenges in telecom data analysis and real-time applications. Join us in advancing AI with global impact.

 

  • Coming soon
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AI in Industrial Automation

We’re driving research to accelerate industry digitalization, focusing on Industry 5.0 solutions, AI-powered collaborative robotics and advanced industrial automation. Join us in redefining possibilities and making a lasting impact on society and the economy.

 

  • Coming soon

Opportunities for EIRs: Phase 1 - Market understanding

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AI and Data: Systems and Foundations

  • OmniOS

    AI-native, ultra-efficient and multi-sensory programmable OS for wearables

Current initiatives involving EIRs: Phase 2 - Value discovery

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AI and Data: Systems and Foundations

Coming soon:

 

  • Romeo 
  • Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems
  • End-to-End Encryption
  • Our AI Uni
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AI in Communications and Computing

 

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AI in Industrial Automation

Coming soon:

 

  • 14.0 Dev Suite

Current initiatives involving EIRs: Phase 3 - Pre-seed

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AI and Data: Systems and Foundations

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AI in Communications and Computing

Coming soon:

 

  • Ising machine
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AI in Industrial Automation

Interested in becoming a Nokia Bell Labs 
Entrepreneur in Residence?

Fill in the contact form