Roman Sigitov stands at the forefront of the construction technology revolution in the Middle East. As Co-Founder and CEO of SIGNAX, he leads a company that transforms traditional building sites into smart, efficient operations. With over 30 years in entrepreneurship, Roman blends deep industry knowledge with innovative tech solutions. He empowers teams to use Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital tools, making construction faster and more reliable. Based in Dubai, SIGNAX focuses on the region’s booming projects, where Roman’s vision helps tackle challenges like rapid urbanization and complex megastructures.
Roman Sigitov embarked on his business journey in 1992, right after the fall of the Soviet Union. At a young age, he dived into entrepreneurship with determination and a keen eye for opportunities. His early experiences shaped his approach to problem-solving in dynamic environments. Though details of his formal education remain private, Roman’s hands-on learning in business and construction laid a strong foundation. He honed skills in project management and innovation, always prioritising efficiency and teamwork.
By the early 2000s, Roman had gained valuable insights into the construction sector’s pain points. He saw how outdated methods slowed progress and increased costs. This realisation fuelled his passion for change. Roman often reflects on those days as a time of trial and growth, where he learnt to adapt quickly. His entrepreneurial spirit, marked by resilience and creativity, set the stage for bigger ventures.
Building a Legacy with Severin Development
In 2004, Roman founded Severin Development, a company that quickly rose to prominence. Under his leadership, Severin grew into one of Russia’s largest development firms over 20 years. The company specializes in real estate and industrial projects, delivering high-quality builds on time. Roman steered Severin through economic ups and downs, emphasizing innovation and client satisfaction.
He introduced early digital practices at Severin, such as basic BIM tools, to streamline operations. This experience revealed the potential of technology in construction. Roman’s team completed numerous projects, including factories and residential complexes, earning praise for reliability. Helen, a Project Director at Severin, once noted how Roman’s focus on BIM adapted well to regional needs. These successes built Roman’s reputation as a forward-thinker, preparing him for his next big step.
Founding SIGNAX: A Leap into ConTech
Roman co-founded SIGNAX in recent years to address gaps in construction technology. He partnered with experts to create IT solutions that complement tools like Autodesk products. SIGNAX offers a suite of digital products, including cloud-based Common Data Environments (CDE), 360° remote site monitoring, BIM integration, and smart dashboards. These tools connect teams, reduce on-site time, and enable real-time decisions.
As CEO, Roman drives the company’s mission to boost efficiency on construction sites. He oversees offices in Dubai and Boston, ensuring global reach with a local touch. Roman’s leadership style encourages collaboration, drawing from his long experience. He actively promotes digital transformation, speaking at events like the Construction Technology Festival in Dubai and Riyadh. His hands-on approach keeps SIGNAX agile, adapting to client needs in fast-paced markets.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Roman has led SIGNAX to impressive milestones, with over 15 implementations in real estate and industrial projects. The company has supported more than 50 iconic buildings, covering 3 million square meters. In the Middle East, SIGNAX shines in the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s vibrant construction scene.
One standout project involves Mered, a Dubai-based developer. SIGNAX’s tools aided the ICONIC Tower, a luxury high-rise. Tim, Mered’s Digital Manager, praised how the platform cut time for approvals and inspections. By integrating BIM and remote monitoring, Roman’s team ensured seamless coordination among contractors.
Another key initiative is the Basalt factory project. Here, SIGNAX unified data access for all participants, as noted by consultant engineer Paul. The solution used laser scanning, drone surveys, and cloud CDE to track progress accurately. This industrial build highlighted SIGNAX’s strength in handling complex workflows.
In Saudi Arabia, SIGNAX contributes to the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects. Though specifics vary, Roman’s company supports megaprojects by providing digital twins and AI-driven insights. At the 2023 Construction Technology ConFex in Dubai, Roman showcased unified data workflows, earning recognition. SIGNAX is also shortlisted for Startup of the Year at the Construction Technology Awards, underscoring its impact.
Impact on the Middle East Construction Sector
Roman positions SIGNAX as a key player in the Middle East’s construction boom. The region awards billions in projects annually, from Dubai’s skyscrapers to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city. Roman tackles issues like labour shortages and regulatory demands with tech. His Dubai office tailors solutions to local climates and cultures, fostering partnerships with firms like Autodesk.
He advocates for digital adoption, noting how BIM cuts waste in hot desert conditions. Roman’s efforts align with the UAE’s $590 billion project pipeline, enhancing safety and sustainability. Through events and collaborations, he mentors young professionals, sharing stories from his career to inspire innovation.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Roman envisions a fully digital construction world. He plans to expand SIGNAX’s AI and IoT features, integrating more with emerging tech. Roman aims to grow in the Middle East, supporting green builds and smart cities. His passion remains rooted in people—empowering workers to focus on creativity over routine tasks.
A Leader with Heart
Roman Sigitov embodies the blend of experience and innovation. From his 1992 start to leading SIGNAX, he transforms challenges into opportunities. In the Middle East, he builds not just structures, but a legacy of progress. With a human touch, Roman reminds us that technology serves people, driving the industry toward a brighter, more efficient future.
