NXT Activate

Building an open, interoperable future for the built and natural environment.

From fragmented data to siloed workflows, the AEC industry faces complex challenges. At NXT Activate, we believe that the industry’s future depends on vibrant, open ecosystems, not closed systems.

Our mission is to empower startups using open-source principles, open standards, and interoperability to break down data silos and unlock more efficient workflows across infrastructure design, construction, and operations. NXT Activate is an ecosystem-first initiative that unites industry leaders to spark breakthrough innovations that lift the whole industry.

It's More Than Capital. It's a Catalyst.

NXT Activate isn't just an investment program; it's a catalyst for turning groundbreaking ideas into viable businesses. We combine strategic investment with deep industry expertise, hands-on mentorship, and a commitment to openness that will help you scale your solutions and drive the digital transformation of our industry.

Seed Funding

Receive up to $200k in early-stage funding to accelerate your development and market entry.

Expert Mentorship

Gain insights and guidance from leaders at NXT BLD, Bentley and experts from across the industry.

Technology Access

Leverage cutting-edge platforms and tools from our partners and network to build your vision.

Global Platform

Showcase your work and connect with a worldwide audience of industry professionals, potential partners, and investors.

Powered by Industry Leaders, Driven by Innovation.

NXT Activate is a partnership between NXT BLD & Bentley Systems.
The program proves that transforming the infrastructure lifecycle takes collaboration and openness. Together, we are moving the AEC industry forward by creating space for innovation to grow beyond any single ecosystem.

NXT BLD & AEC Magazine

The premier conference and leading global publication for next-generation technology in the built environment, providing a stage for new ideas and championing the developer community.

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Bentley Systems

A world leader in infrastructure engineering software, committed to advancing infrastructure through digital twin solutions and its platform services.

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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 programme. We will support companies working on open standards and proprietary platforms, because that diversity is what makes the AEC software ecosystem credible.

Martyn Day, director of NXT BLD and publisher of AEC Magazine

A vibrant and diverse developer ecosystem is essential for the future of infrastructure. 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.

James Lee, Chief Operating Officer at Bentley Systems

Innovators Challenging the Status Quo.

NXT Activate seeks early-stage startups and development teams with a passion for using open-source, open standards, and interoperability to create scalable solutions for the built and natural environment. We are looking for founders who demonstrate rapid development and execution and possess unique insights.

Ready to make a big impact on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry? Ready to bring AI, digital twin, and data-driven innovations to infrastructure? If so, NXT Activate is ready for you.

NXT Activate: Accelerating an Open Future for AEC Startups