Sign time GmbH

Their core work

Sign time GmbH develops automatic sign language translation technology, centered on their SiMAX avatar — a software system that converts written or spoken text into sign language animations. Based in Vienna, they build tools that make digital content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Their work extends into cultural heritage accessibility, where they apply their sign language and digital asset expertise to make museum and cultural resources inclusive.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Sign time began with a small feasibility study for their sign language translation machine (SiMAX Phase 1, 2015), then rapidly scaled to a full innovation action with over EUR 1M in funding (SiMAX Phase 2, 2017). In parallel, they broadened their scope through the ARCHES project (2016-2019), applying their accessibility know-how to cultural heritage. The trajectory shows a company moving from a single-product prototype to a broader platform for digital inclusion.

Sign time is expanding from a niche sign language tool into a broader digital inclusion technology provider, making them relevant for any project requiring accessibility solutions.

How they like to work

Sign time primarily leads its own projects — coordinating 2 out of 3 H2020 projects, including their largest. They also participate as a specialist contributor when the topic aligns with their core expertise, as seen in ARCHES. With 12 unique consortium partners across 4 countries, they maintain a focused but diverse network appropriate for an SME of their size.

Sign time has collaborated with 12 unique partners across 4 countries, suggesting a compact European network centered on accessibility and cultural institutions. Their partnerships likely include museums, research organizations, and disability advocacy groups given the ARCHES project focus.

What sets them apart

Sign time occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few European SMEs building automated sign language avatar technology. This makes them a near-mandatory partner for any EU project requiring sign language accessibility or deaf community inclusion. Their combination of deep technical capability (avatar animation, NLP) with real-world accessibility application is difficult to replicate.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SiMAX
  Their flagship product — a sign language avatar that received both SME Phase 1 and Phase 2 funding (EUR 1.14M total), indicating strong EU confidence in the technology's commercial viability.
• ARCHES
  A EUR 3M+ innovation action on cultural heritage accessibility where Sign time contributed specialist inclusion expertise as a participant alongside major European cultural institutions.