International student competition leverages digital twin technology to tackle infrastructure challenges

As the global infrastructure sector faces a critical workforce shortage, Bentley Systems, Incorporated (Nasdaq: BSY), the infrastructure engineering software company, and Enactus, a global nonprofit advancing student innovation and entrepreneurship, announce the start of the 2025 iTwin4Good Challenge. This international competition empowers university students to develop digital twin solutions to help address global infrastructure challenges.

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Finalists of the 2024 iTwin4Good Challenge on the competition stage in Kazakhstan. (Image courtesy of Bentley Systems and Enactus)

This initiative comes at a pivotal time. In recent years, global infrastructure sectors have faced a critical workforce shortage, despite rising demand for better and more resilient infrastructure. For example, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute reports that 49 percent of engineering firms face project backlogs of one year or more, while the construction industry is short more than 400,000 workers, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors.

The iTwin4Good Challenge places students on a path to address workforce shortages by combining their passion for social and environmental impact with the power of digital technology. Through skills building and mentorship, the program brings together global talent to grow a new and diverse pipeline of future infrastructure leaders and solution developers. Students embark on a six-week program featuring technical training, mentorship from across Bentley, and the opportunity to get certified as an iTwin Developer Associate. Participants—competing solo or in teams of up to three—will use Bentley’s iTwin platform to create apps that could drive positive environmental or social impact in their communities.

Challenge Overview

From June through October 2025, students from the U.S., Germany, Canada, the UK and Ireland (competing jointly), and Brazil will participate in national rounds. Top performers will present their solutions to a panel of industry experts, compete for cash prizes, and advance to a virtual "Champions of Champions" showdown, with the global winner earning the opportunity to attend the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok.

“The iTwin4Good Challenge is more than a student competition, it’s a catalyst for change and a strategic investment in the future of infrastructure,” said Chris Bradshaw, chief sustainability and education officer, Bentley Systems. “By engaging young minds in real-world problem-solving and equipping the next generation with digital twin expertise, we’re cultivating talent capable of addressing both today’s infrastructure needs and tomorrow’s sustainability challenges.”

George Tsiatis, president & CEO, Enactus Global & Resolution Project added, “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.”

This hands-on experience develops industry-ready professionals who can apply digital twin technology to solve real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academic learning and impactful infrastructure innovation. For a look at the initiative in action, watch the 2024 iTwin4Good Championship final presentations from Kazakhstan.

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About Enactus

Enactus is the world's largest experiential learning platform developing entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators across 35+ countries. Through our network of universities and business leaders, we engage over 40,000 students annually in team-based projects that build essential leadership, project management, and enterprise skills while creating meaningful economic, social, and environmental impact. Founded in 1975, Enactus students have launched more than 75,000 projects and businesses, benefiting millions of people worldwide while developing tomorrow's leaders with a head for business, and a heart for the world. For more information, visit www.enactus.org.

About Bentley Systems

Around the world, infrastructure professionals rely on software from Bentley Systems to help them design, build, and operate better and more resilient infrastructure for transportation, water, energy, cities, and more. Founded in 1984 by engineers for engineers, Bentley is the partner of choice for engineering firms and owner-operators worldwide, with software that spans engineering disciplines, industry sectors, and all phases of the infrastructure lifecycle. Through our digital twin solutions, we help infrastructure professionals unlock the value of their data to transform project delivery and asset performance.

© 2025 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley, the Bentley logo, and iTwin are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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