Bentley Systems Awards $1 Million to 3D Tech Startups for Infrastructure Innovation

In an exciting development for the construction and infrastructure sector, Bentley Systems has unveiled the recipients of its 2025 iTwin Activate accelerator program. This initiative has allocated up to $1 million in funding to four pioneering startups that are utilizing 3D technology to revolutionize infrastructure design and maintenance. With a sharp focus on enhancing urban and industrial landscapes, Bentley’s investment exemplifies a commitment to fostering innovation in an industry increasingly reliant on advanced technological solutions.

Empowering Startups Through Funding and Support

Each of the selected startups will receive funding of up to $250,000. This financial backing is complemented by extensive technical and market support provided by Bentley’s product leaders throughout the four-month program. This dual approach not only aids in addressing immediate financial needs but also ensures that these early-stage companies have access to critical resources and expertise to refine their products and expand their market reach.

Focus on 3D Geospatial Data

A pivotal aspect of this year’s program centers around startups creating solutions that leverage 3D geospatial data. Notably, the program highlights the use of the Cesium and 3D Tiles open standard — a technology Bentley integrated into its ecosystem following the acquisition of Cesium in 2024. This focus aims to cultivate a robust ecosystem of developers building on Bentley’s platform technology, enhancing its offerings by addressing technology gaps and broadening the user experience in infrastructure management.

Meet the 2025 iTwin Activate Cohort

The diversity of the selected startups showcases the wide-ranging applications of 3D technology in infrastructure. Below are brief profiles of the four innovative companies chosen for this year’s program:

1. AERO AI (Las Vegas, U.S.):

   • AERO AI is transforming the landscape of infrastructural management through drone technology. By converting drone scans and other data into fully immersive, explorable 3D environments, they are enhancing planning processes and project management for infrastructure developments.

2. The Cross Product (TCP) (France):

   • TCP is making strides in data automation, particularly for railway and highway inspections. Their technology automates the processing of LiDAR data over extensive distances, facilitating faster and more precise inventory assessments. Remarkably, this is TCP’s second consecutive year participating in the accelerator program, underscoring their commitment to innovation.

3. Jakarto (Montreal, Canada):

   • Jakarto integrates digital twin technology with artificial intelligence to create comprehensive mapping and visualization tools for urban assets. Their platform aids in the management of infrastructure elements such as street signs and overhead networks, helping cities minimize field visits and expedite decision-making.
4. SuperDNA 3D Lab (Amsterdam, Netherlands):
   • Initially focused on producing photorealistic CGI visuals for major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Meta, SuperDNA 3D Lab is now venturing into transportation applications. This expansion reflects the versatility of their technology in addressing the needs of diverse sectors.

Bentley’s Vision for the Future

Bentley Systems’ proactive approach signals an acknowledgment that the complexities of modern infrastructure require a diverse toolkit of innovative solutions. As urban development accelerates and technology becomes increasingly intertwined with our built environments, Bentley’s commitment to cultivating an array of tools rooted in open standards positions it as a leader in the sector.

James Kress, the Director of Digital Acceleration for iTwin Ventures, articulates Bentley’s vision succinctly: “Our goal is to grow an ecosystem of folks building on our platform technology.” This strategy not only enhances Bentley’s product suite but also amplifies the capabilities available to its user base, ensuring that all stakeholders in infrastructure — from government bodies to private enterprises — are equipped with cutting-edge resources.

Conclusion

The 2025 iTwin Activate accelerator program exemplifies Bentley Systems’ dedication to innovation and progress in infrastructure management. By empowering startups through funding and expert support, Bentley is not only fostering a new generation of technological solutions but is also reinforcing its own role in an evolving industry landscape. As the built world becomes increasingly sophisticated, initiatives like this ensure that infrastructure development continues to advance toward more efficient, sustainable, and effective solutions. The future indeed looks promising for both Bentley and the ingenious startups under its wing.