NXT BLD and infrastructure engineering software company, Bentley Systems Inc., announced on Thursday, May 14, at the NXT BLD conference the launch of NXT Activate, a developer-focused accelerator supporting early-stage companies building transformative software for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors.
The accelerator will support startups developing applications that address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including fragmented data systems and inefficient workflows spanning design, construction, and operations.
Unlike traditional accelerator programs tied to a single technology ecosystem, NXT Activate is designed to support startups regardless of the platforms or standards they use. Companies building on open standards such as IFC and 3D Tiles, as well as those leveraging proprietary platforms, will be eligible for funding. Organizers said the approach is intended to foster innovation across the broader AEC software landscape rather than restrict development to one vendor ecosystem.
Initially seeded by Bentley Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Bentley Systems, NXT Activate will launch with a commitment of up to $3 million over three years. The funding will be allocated annually to cohorts of six to eight startups, with the inaugural cohort scheduled for autumn 2026. The consortium is also expected to expand through the addition of future strategic sponsors and investment members.
Martyn Day, director of NXT BLD, said: “For 10 years, NXT BLD has been at the forefront of the industry’s shift toward the cloud, AI, and data-centric workflows. The next generation of essential AEC tools will come from an agile, startup-driven culture. We are ecstatic to work with Bentley to find the next generation of tool makers and software firms. With NXT Activate we have the means to back them. This is deliberately not a single-vendor program. We will support companies working on open standards and proprietary platforms, because that diversity is what makes the AEC software ecosystem credible.”
“A vibrant and diverse developer ecosystem is essential for the future of infrastructure,” said James Lee, chief operating officer at Bentley Systems. “Through Bentley Ventures and as a founding investment member of NXT Activate, we are directly funding the community that will build the next generation of infrastructure digital twin applications. Whether they build on open standards like 3D Tiles or on platforms like iTwin, we are committed to empowering the innovators who are creating transformative solutions for the built and natural environment.”
Each startup selected for the program will be eligible for up to $200,000 in investment in exchange for a fixed equity stake. In addition to funding, participants will gain access to industry experts, technical integration support with founding members’ platforms and software development kits, introductions to enterprise and industry stakeholders, and exposure at major industry events such as NXT BLD and NXT DEV. Investment decisions will be made jointly by a committee composed of the program’s founding and investment members.
NXT Activate is expected to begin accepting applications in summer 2026 from early-stage startups and developer teams focused on software solutions for the built and natural environment. The 16-week accelerator is designed to help participants move from concept to commercialization through funding, platform integration, and user validation.
Application details will be available at NXTActivate.com.
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