Bentley and Enactus Empower Global Students with Digital Twins
As infrastructure projects surge across the globe, a troubling gap is widening: the workforce needed to bring these critical developments to life is shrinking. Enter the 2025 iTwin4Good Challenge, an ambitious global competition from Bentley Systems and Enactus that aims to not only harness student ingenuity but also lay the groundwork for a new generation of infrastructure professionals.
This international initiative arrives against a stark backdrop. According to the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute, nearly half of engineering firms are facing backlogs of one year or more. Meanwhile, the construction industry is grappling with a staggering shortfall of over 400,000 workers, as reported by the Associated Builders and Contractors. These numbers highlight a systemic strain on the infrastructure pipeline, but they also point to a massive opportunity for smart intervention.
And that’s precisely what iTwin4Good sets out to do.
Digital Twins Meet Purpose-Driven Innovation
The challenge, now in its latest iteration, invites university students from five countries—the US, Germany, Brazil, Canada, and a joint UK-Ireland cohort—to develop solutions using Bentley’s iTwin technology. These aren’t theoretical exercises. Participants are tasked with creating digital twin-based applications that can drive measurable environmental or social benefits in their local communities.
Over a six-week stretch, students will receive hands-on technical training, gain mentorship from Bentley professionals, and even earn certification as iTwin Developer Associates. Whether competing solo or as part of a three-person team, the participants are expected to deliver practical applications, not just polished pitches.
As Chris Bradshaw, Bentley Systems’ Chief Sustainability and Education Officer, put it: “The iTwin4Good Challenge is more than a student competition, it’s a catalyst for change and a strategic investment in the future of infrastructure.”
That blend of innovation and impact is no accident. It reflects Bentley’s broader mission of unlocking the value of infrastructure data through digital twin technology. From design to construction to asset performance, Bentley’s tools are already being used worldwide to address pressing needs across transport, water, energy, and urban planning.
A Global Stage for Student Visionaries
Once national rounds conclude in October 2025, each region’s top teams will present their solutions to panels of expert judges, all competing for a coveted spot in the global “Champions of Champions” final. The winning team will receive a cash prize and an exclusive invitation to the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok.
But perhaps more importantly, they’ll gain exposure to some of the industry’s leading minds and real-world validation of their work.
George Tsiatis, President & CEO of Enactus Global and the Resolution Project, summed it up perfectly: “This partnership exemplifies what we do best—empowering students to tackle real-world challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. When young people combine cutting-edge technology with purpose-driven action, they don’t just solve today’s problems, they build the foundation for a more sustainable future.”
Building Leaders with Heart and Hustle
Enactus is no stranger to nurturing world-changing ideas. With a reach spanning more than 35 countries and a network of over 40,000 active students, the nonprofit has facilitated upwards of 75,000 social innovation projects. These initiatives don’t just serve as training exercises—they deliver real impact, from clean water access to economic empowerment schemes.
The iTwin4Good Challenge builds on this legacy by adding Bentley’s digital infrastructure toolkit into the mix. The result? Students not only walk away with hands-on tech skills but also real-world experience in navigating environmental and societal complexities using advanced engineering tools.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
There’s often a disconnect between classroom learning and the demands of infrastructure work on the ground. This challenge aims to close that chasm. Students learn how to build scalable, data-rich applications while also grappling with issues like climate resilience, sustainable urbanisation, and resource management.
It’s the kind of practical education sorely needed in a field desperate for fresh talent.
Bentley, founded in 1984, was built by engineers for engineers. Today, it’s a global player trusted by professionals across every phase of the infrastructure lifecycle. From digital construction platforms like SYNCHRO to modelling tools such as OpenRoads Designer, Bentley’s portfolio offers a vast playground for innovation—one students are now being invited to explore.
Past Success Stories and Global Inspiration
For a glimpse of what success can look like, one need only revisit the 2024 iTwin4Good Championship finals hosted in Kazakhstan. The event featured a diverse set of projects tackling everything from river pollution and public transportation planning to heritage conservation using 3D digital twins. It wasn’t just the ingenuity that impressed—it was the real-world applicability.
That’s the hallmark of a good idea in infrastructure: it doesn’t just look clever on a slide, it works out in the world.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With climate change, population growth, and ageing assets placing unprecedented strain on global infrastructure systems, the stakes have never been higher. Solutions that integrate smart technologies with human-centred design are no longer luxuries—they’re necessities.
And yet, without a skilled workforce to implement them, even the most brilliant plans can wither on the vine.
That’s why initiatives like iTwin4Good matter. They create a pipeline for curious, driven, and socially conscious talent to flow directly into an industry that desperately needs it. More than just a challenge, it’s a proving ground for the next wave of digital-native infrastructure leaders.
The Future Is Bright and Digitally Mapped
By connecting digital twin technology with real-world challenges and passionate student minds, Bentley and Enactus are seeding something much larger than a competition. They’re cultivating a mindset—one that sees infrastructure not as a static system but as a dynamic, data-driven canvas for change.
That mindset is precisely what the future demands. And thanks to initiatives like iTwin4Good, it’s one that’s spreading across campuses and communities worldwide.
