Bentley Systems (BSY) and NXT BLD launched NXT Activate, a startup accelerator aimed at early-stage companies developing software for the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, the companies said Thursday.

The program, initially seeded by Bentley Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Bentley Systems, will launch with a commitment of up to $3 million over three years to support startups focused on improving workflows and data silos across the AEC industry.

NXT Activate will invest in cohorts of six to eight startups annually, beginning in autumn 2026. Each participating company may receive up to $200,000 in funding in exchange for a fixed equity stake, the companies said.

Investment decisions for NXT Activate will be made jointly by a committee of the program's founding and investment members, while NXT BLD and AEC Magazine will maintain editorial independence from the program, the companies added, according to a joint statement.

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