NorthstarMLS Named 2026 Inman Innovator Award Winner

NorthstarMLS has won the 2026 Inman Innovator Awards in the MLS, Association or Industry Organization category, recognizing the MLS’ efforts to drive meaningful innovation and advance the future of real estate with Project NexusRE™, a patent-pending, industry-owned AI infrastructure platform. Originated by NorthstarMLS and commercialized by REcore, Project NexusRE helps MLSs and brokers gain greater visibility into how listing data is accessed and used as AI becomes part of everyday real estate operations.  

 Currently in development, the platform will enable agents, teams, brokers, MLSs and technology providers to leverage AI within appropriate permissions, policies and governance, allowing real estate professionals and technology systems to safely interact with trusted MLS data.

“Innovation has always been at the core of NorthstarMLS’ mission and we’re playing an active role in shaping the real estate industry as it evolves,” said Tim Dain, CEO of NorthstarMLS. “We’re honored to be recognized alongside some of the most respected and forward-thinking organizations in real estate.”

The organization’s commitment to innovation extends beyond technology. Earlier this month the MLS modernized its governance practices by adopting the CMLS Model MLS Rules framework, which reorganizes legacy policies into an intuitive layout designed to improve organization and adaptability to changing legal and market conditions.

“This recognition by Inman reflects the dedication of our staff, shareholders and industry partners who continuously challenge us to improve,” Dain said. “Whether we’re enhancing the accuracy of MLS data, simplifying workflows or pioneering new ways to help brokers manage and protect their listing information, our goal remains the same: to provide exceptional value to the real estate professionals we serve.”

For nearly three decades, the Inman Innovator Awards have honored individuals and organizations transforming the real estate industry through bold ideas, new technologies and forward-thinking business models that are driving meaningful innovation and advancing the future of real estate. The awards are widely regarded as one of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions of innovation.