Babbage

What Babbage does

Babbage (legal entity: Babbage Automation) is a Netherlands-based assistive technology company headquartered in Roosendaal that supplies hardware, software, and services for people with visual, motor, and reading disabilities, as well as for organizations employing or serving them. The company's product portfolio spans braille displays and braille printers, desktop and mobile screen magnifiers, OCR-based reading devices, school board-camera systems, obstacle-detection wearables, eye-tracking and head-mouse input devices, arm supports and ergonomic mounts, and a catalog of assistive software including screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, SuperNova, ZoomText, and Babbage's proprietary "USA" screen reader), speech recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking), reading-support tools (Lex Software, ExamReader), and WCAG-oriented digital accessibility tools. Babbage also distributes AI-enabled wearable assistive devices such as OrCam MyEye and Envision Glasses.

The company's revenue model combines one-time hardware and software sales with recurring service contracts. Service offerings include tiered braille-display maintenance plans (All-in, Regular, Intensive), the Babbage Academy training program, managed workplace-accessibility services for employers, and professional WCAG 2.1 audits. Distribution is multi-channel: direct sales to individuals (typically reimbursed via UWV, the Dutch national social security agency, or health insurers such as CZ-groep and Achmea), contracts with rehabilitation centers (Visio, Bartiméus and others), and enterprise sales to corporate and public-sector customers.

Customer evidence indicates an enterprise footprint that includes KPN (statused as a preferred supplier), Rabobank, ING, PWC, Capgemini, and several Dutch universities of applied sciences (Hogeschool Utrecht, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Christelijke Hogeschool Ede), alongside ongoing B2B2C flow through the UWV/C-talents and rehabilitation-center channels. The company is privately held, led by directors Mario de Nijs (Technical) and Marianne de Nijs (Financial), with a headcount of approximately 20 employees.

Name

Babbage

Legal name

Babbage Automation

Website

https://babbage.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Babbage Automation is a Netherlands-based assistive technology company that sells braille, screen-magnification, OCR, eye-tracking, and digital-accessibility hardware, software, and services to individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation centers, and Dutch enterprises, supported by recurring service contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Assistive Technology

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Vision Assistive Technology (Screen Readers, Braille, Magnification) (EDAKAIAF)

Keywords

• Assistive technology solutions
• Braille displays hardware
• Screen reader software
• Digital accessibility audits
• Workplace accessibility adaptations

Headquarters

HQ city

Roosendaal

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Assistive Technology Hardware Sales: Sale of hardware products including braille displays, eye-tracking systems, head mice, screen magnifiers, and other assistive devices for people with visual, motor or reading disabilities
2. Software Licensing and Sales: Sale of software packages for magnification, braille and speech output including proprietary solutions like USA and third-party products like JAWS, SuperNova, NVDA
3. Service Contracts: Service level agreements for braille displays including All-in, Regular and Intensive maintenance contracts with varying levels of support and warranty
4. Professional Training Services: Specialized training programs for users of assistive devices and support professionals, provided as accredited education and custom training sessions
5. Workplace Accessibility Solutions: Workplace adaptation services including software accessibility research, custom scripting, implementation of technical aids and ongoing technical support for organizations
6. Digital Accessibility Services: Accessibility audits, awareness training and technical training for organizations to make websites, apps and digital information accessible according to WCAG 2.1 guidelines

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Babbage provides assistive technology hardware (braille displays, screen magnifiers, OCR readers, head mice, eye tracking, wearable AI cameras), specialty software (proprietary Ultimate Screen Access screen reader plus resold NVDA, JAWS, SuperNova, ZoomText), and tailored services including workplace adaptations, custom scripting for enterprise applications, accredited training through the Babbage Academy, and WCAG 2.1 digital accessibility audits. Offerings serve people with visual, motor, and reading disabilities as well as businesses and government organizations seeking to make workplaces and digital properties accessible.

Product overview

Babbage is an assistive technology company offering a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, and training services for people with visual, motor, and reading (dyslexia) disabilities. The product range is organized across four main categories: (1) Visual impairment solutions — including brailleleesregels (braille displays), brailleprinters, beeldschermloepen (screen magnifiers), mobiele beeldschermloepen (mobile magnifiers), voorleesapparaten (OCR reading devices), schoolsystemen (board camera systems), obstacle detection, and wearable AI cameras (OrCam MyEye, Envision Glasses); (2) Motor disability solutions — including speech recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking), eye tracking and head mice (GlassOuse), arm supports, custom mounts, and alternative keyboard/mouse controls; (3) Reading disability solutions — including Lex Software, OrCam Read, and ExamReader; and (4) Software — including NVDA, JAWS, SuperNova, ZoomText, and Babbage's proprietary Ultimate Screen Access (USA). Services include the Babbage Academy (specialist training for users and professionals), Digital Accessibility Services (WCAG 2.1 audits, WCAG-EM methodology, and training), and workplace accessibility solutions including custom scripting for enterprise application compatibility. All solutions are complemented by maintenance, support contracts for braille displays, and driver/firmware downloads.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Braille Displays (Brailleleesregels) A broad assortment of braille displays for blind and visually impaired users, ranging from portable models for mobile use to fixed workplace units, including models compatible with smartphones, tablets, and all major screen readers. Sold to individual end users (often reimbursed via UWV and health insurers) and to enterprise customers adapting workplaces.
• Braille Printers Braille printers that emboss documents into braille on special braille paper or regular paper, including ViewPlus Emprint Spotdot models. For blind users, educational institutions, and organizations producing tactile materials.
• Desktop Screen Magnifiers (Beeldschermloepen) Desktop screen magnifiers that enlarge text and images sharply and clearly for people with visual impairments, reducing eye strain during extended computer use. For partially sighted users in workplaces, schools, and homes.
• Mobile Screen Magnifiers (Mobiele Beeldschermloepen) Portable, lightweight screen magnifiers that can be carried to home, school, or work, featuring magnification, color accentuation, and speech output. For visually impaired users needing mobility.
• OCR Reading Devices (Voorleesapparaten / OCR Leestoestellen) Devices that scan and read printed text aloud, including DAISY players, computer-based scanning and reading systems, and autonomous reading devices like the ReadEasy Evolve. For people with visual impairments or reading disabilities such as dyslexia.
• School Systems (Board Cameras) Camera systems that project content from a school whiteboard or smartboard onto a laptop screen or monitor, making classroom content accessible for students with visual impairments. For primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.
• Obstacle Detection Solutions Obstacle detection solutions including wearable glasses that help people with visual impairments recognize obstacles in their surroundings safely and navigate independently both indoors and outdoors. For blind and visually impaired individuals.
• OrCam MyEye Wearable AI camera that attaches to glasses, using computer vision to read text aloud, recognize faces, identify people, and describe environments in real time for blind and visually impaired users.
• OrCam Read Handheld AI reading device that reads printed and digital text aloud on demand, designed for people with dyslexia, reading difficulties, or mild visual impairments.
• Envision Glasses AI-powered smart glasses that use computer vision to read text, recognize faces, identify products, and describe environments, providing audio output for blind and visually impaired users.
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking Speech Recognition Speech recognition software that converts voice dictation into text and enables voice-based computer control, enabling people with motor disabilities to operate computers without using hands or a keyboard.
• Ultimate Screen Access (USA) Proprietary screen access software developed and produced in-house by Babbage, providing screen reading and braille output for non-visual computer access. Works with various braille displays and assistive devices.
• Eye Tracking and Head Pointing Devices (Hoofdmuizen) Alternative mouse control solutions including eye tracking and head-controlled mice (such as GlassOuse with puff-switch click) that allow users with motor disabilities to control the computer cursor without using hands.
• Arm Supports (Armondersteuning) Arm support devices that reduce arm and shoulder strain during computer work, helping users with motor disabilities or RSI maintain a comfortable and productive working position.
• Custom Mounts (Mounts op Maat) Custom-built mounting solutions for attaching assistive devices to wheelchairs, adapted school desks, or workstations in non-standard situations.
• Lex Software Software designed for people with dyslexia and reading disabilities that provides audio support to help students and professionals read independently.
• ExamReader Scanning and reading pen device for students with reading disabilities, enabling independent reading during exams. Available for trial to schools and professionals.
• Digital Accessibility Services (WCAG 2.1 Audits and Training) Digital accessibility services including WCAG 2.1 compliance audits using WCAG-EM methodology, awareness training, and in-depth technical training to help organizations make websites, apps, and digital information accessible. Includes a free accessibility scan.
• Babbage Academy Training Specialist training programs for assistive technology users and supporting professionals, including user training to optimize use of devices and professional training for ergotherapists, labor experts, and educators. Accredited courses unique in the Netherlands.
• Workplace Accessibility Solutions (Custom Scripting) Custom workplace accessibility solutions including software accessibility research (STO), custom scripting to make enterprise applications work with screen readers and braille displays, and full workplace adaptation for employees with visual or motor disabilities. For enterprise and government customers.
• Inclusive4all Accessibility Certification Comprehensive accessibility certification and services for buildings, environments, processes and procedures, offered in partnership with vhp Human Performance alongside Babbage's digital accessibility services.
• Braille Display Service Contracts Annual service level agreements for braille displays offered in tiers (All-in, Regular, and Intensive maintenance contracts) with varying levels of support, extended warranty, and helpdesk access.
• MagniLink Go Portable MagniLink Go screen magnifier introduced by Babbage, part of the MagniLink line of screen magnifiers for visually impaired users needing portable magnification.
• Activator Communication Device Communication solution designed for deaf-blind users, expanding Babbage's product range for users with severe combined sensory disabilities.
• NVDA Screen Reader Free, open-source screen reader for Microsoft Windows that provides speech output and braille support for blind and visually impaired users, distributed and supported by Babbage.
• JAWS Screen Reader Commercial screen reading software by Freedom Scientific that provides speech and braille access to computer applications, distributed and supported by Babbage with custom scripting for enterprise environments.
• SuperNova Screen reader and magnification software by Dolphin combining speech output, braille support, and screen magnification, distributed and supported by Babbage with custom scripting.
• ZoomText Screen magnification and reading software that enlarges on-screen content and provides speech support for users with visual impairments, distributed and supported by Babbage.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of sustainable workplaces realized across private and public sector organizations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• UWVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational social security institute that funds assistive technology for people with disabilities. UWV provides reimbursement for devices and works with Babbage to assess and fulfill assistive technology needs for individuals in the Netherlands.
• C-talentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecruitment specialist that matches talents who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired with employers. Babbage provides assistive technology and training to support these placements.
• Zorgverzekeraars (Health Insurers)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVarious health insurance companies provide reimbursement for assistive devices. Babbage works with insurers including CZ-groep, Achmea, a.s.r., Aevitae, Zorg en Zekerheid, and Avéro Achmea for device funding.
• VisiomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRehabilitation center for blind and visually impaired individuals. Visio provides rehabilitation services and refers clients to Babbage for assistive technology solutions.
• BartiméusmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized organization for blind and visually impaired individuals, similar to Visio. Provides rehabilitation services and collaborates with Babbage for technology solutions.
• KPNcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor telecommunications company and primary B2B customer. Babbage is KPN's preferred supplier for workplace accessibility solutions, having adapted workplaces for employees with visual impairments for many years.
• Revalidatiecentra (Rehabilitation Centers)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVarious rehabilitation centers that work with Babbage to provide assistive technology solutions for their clients recovering from accidents or managing chronic conditions.
• Inclusive4allmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with vhp Human Performance to provide comprehensive accessibility services including building accessibility, environment, processes and procedures alongside digital accessibility.
• GGMDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health organization for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, listed as a collaborative partner.
• GGZ IngeestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health care organization listed as a collaborative partner.
• Hogeschool UtrechtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Applied Sciences that has partnered with Babbage for assistive technology solutions for students with disabilities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• AudioEye: US-based digital accessibility platform offering automated WCAG remediation and auditing services. Represents the technology-platform direction Babbage's Digital Accessibility Services could evolve toward or compete against.

Direct peers

• Level Access: US provider of enterprise digital accessibility solutions including audits, training and platform tooling. Competes with Babbage for the same enterprise WCAG-compliance and accessibility-services budget.
• AbilityNet: UK charity that advises businesses and individuals on assistive technology, workplace adjustments and digital accessibility — the same service mix Babbage offers to enterprises and end users in the Netherlands.
• Sight and Sound Technology: UK-based distributor and service provider of assistive technology for blind, partially sighted and dyslexic users, selling braille displays, screen readers, magnifiers and OCR devices. Closely mirrors Babbage's distributor-plus-services model in a neighbouring market.
• Dolphin Computer Access: UK developer of SuperNova, a screen reader and magnifier that Babbage distributes in the Netherlands. Dolphin is both a key vendor and a competing solution provider in the same AT category.
• TPGi (The Paciello Group): Global digital accessibility consultancy providing WCAG audits, training and accessibility engineering. Directly comparable to Babbage's Digital Accessibility Services line.
• Optelec: Optelec is a Netherlands-based manufacturer and distributor of low-vision and magnification products. It is the most direct Dutch competitor to Babbage's visual-impairment product line and overlaps on screen magnifiers, portable magnifiers and reading devices.

Broad incumbents

• HumanWare: Canadian manufacturer of assistive technology for blind and low-vision users, including braille displays and portable magnifiers that overlap with Babbage's portfolio. Acts as both a vendor and a global incumbent competitor.
• Freedom Scientific / Vispero: US-based maker of JAWS screen reader and other blindness/AT products that Babbage distributes. Functions as both a critical supplier and a broader incumbent in the screen-reader market Babbage serves.

Others

• OrCam Technologies: Israel-based developer of OrCam MyEye and OrCam Read AI wearables, which Babbage distributes in the Netherlands. Functions as a strategic vendor partner whose product roadmap and channel strategy directly shape Babbage's wearables offering.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BabbageCOM
• Facebookfacebook.com/babbagecom
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/babbage
• Instagraminstagram.com/babbage.com.roosendaal
• Xx.com/Babbage35041471

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Babbage