LONDON, UK, May 18, 2026 – Bentley Systems and NXT BLD launched NXT Activate at the NXT BLD conference, committing up to $3 million over three years to support early-stage AEC software startups working on data exchange, workflow coordination and built-environment applications.
The developer-focused accelerator will back startups building software for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) workflows from design through operation. Its scope includes applications that reduce data silos and improve how project information moves across built-environment systems.
NXT Activate will support startups using different technology approaches. Companies can build on open standards such as IFC or 3D Tiles, or use proprietary software environments, including vendor-specific software stacks.
Bentley Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Bentley Systems, has seeded the program. The capital will be deployed annually across cohorts of six to eight startups, with the first cohort scheduled for autumn 2026. The consortium can expand with sponsors and investment members. Investment decisions will be made jointly by a committee of the program’s founding and investment members. NXT BLD and AEC Magazine will retain full editorial independence.
Martyn Day, director of NXT BLD and publisher of AEC Magazine, commented: “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.”
What Startups Receive
Each cohort participant is eligible for up to $200,000 in investment in exchange for a fixed equity stake. Beyond capital, NXT Activate provides:
- Domain Expertise: Access to domain experts relevant to the technical and business problems each cohort participant is working to solve.
- Direct Technical Access: Integration support with the founding members’ software environments, SDKs and technical teams.
- User Validation: Program-led introductions to enterprise and industry users.
- Industry Visibility: Potential exposure at NXT BLD and NXT DEV, where AEC firms and contractors evaluate emerging technology.
Call for Applications
NXT Activate will begin accepting applications in summer 2026 from early-stage startups and developer teams building software for the built and natural environment. The 16-week program will provide capital, software integration support and user validation for companies preparing products for commercial use.
Source: Bentley Systems
About NXT BLD
NXT BLD is a London-based conference and exhibition for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) technology. AEC Magazine organizes the event, which covers digital fabrication, robotics, 3D printing, IoT, generative design, real-time visualization, virtual reality, augmented reality, AI/ML, laser scanning, photogrammetry, smart cities, collaboration tools, simulation, prefab and modular design. The event serves architects, engineers, construction firms, BIM managers, IT directors, software developers, technology vendors, sponsors and exhibitors in the built environment. Its sister event, NXT DEV, focuses on AEC software development and connects BIM and IT directors with developers and investors. NXT BLD was founded in 2017. Its headquarters is in London, United Kingdom. The company lists the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London as its event venue.
About Bentley Systems
Bentley Systems, founded in 1984, develops software for infrastructure engineering with a focus on supporting the design, construction, and operation of critical assets across transportation, water, energy, urban, and utility sectors. Its solutions are used globally by engineers, architects, constructors, and asset owners across various disciplines and project phases. The company provides integrated tools for modeling, simulation, project delivery, and asset performance management. A key area of focus is enabling digital twins to improve data integration and decision-making throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. Bentley’s software supports workflows across multiple engineering domains, helping users manage complexity and improve the reliability and resilience of infrastructure systems. Headquartered in Exton, PA, Bentley Systems operates in 40 countries with a workforce of around 5,500 employees. It serves approximately 41,000 customers in 190 countries.