Bentley, NXT BLD Launch $3M ‘NXT Activate’ Accelerator to Fund Next-Gen AEC Software Innovators

• Sommana Yan
• 26 May 2026
• Construction Focus
• 706 Views

Bentley Systems and NXT BLD have partnered to launch NXT Activate, a new $3 million developer-focused accelerator aimed at backing early-stage startups that are building next-generation architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) software.

The three-year program is designed to support early-stage startups building software that breaks down data silos and improves workflows across the construction and engineering industries.

NXT Activate will select annual cohorts of six to eight startups starting in autumn 2026. Selected companies will receive up to $200,000 in investment, direct technical access, and mentorship from industry experts, introductions to enterprise players for user validation, and visibility at major industry forums like NXT BLD and NXT DEV.

Unlike many corporate accelerators, NXT Activate is platform-agnostic. Startups are eligible for funding whether they build on open industry standards (like IFC or 3D Tiles) or proprietary platforms.

“The next generation of essential AEC tools will come from an agile, startup-driven culture,” said Martyn Day, director of NXT BLD. “This is deliberately not a single-vendor program… that diversity is what makes the AEC software ecosystem credible.”

James Lee, Chief Operating Officer at Bentley Systems, echoed the importance of a diverse developer ecosystem, noting that the program will directly fund the community building the next generation of infrastructure applications.

The 16-week program aims to fast-track startups from concept to commercialization. Applications will open in summer 2026 for early-stage teams focused on software for the built and natural environments.

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