Portugal’s DUA AI Evolves into Global Lusophone Ecosystem
DUA, the first creative Artificial Intelligence platform developed in Portugal, has evolved into a comprehensive “360-degree ecosystem” designed to bridge the creative gap across the Portuguese-speaking world. Launched this week, the third version of the platform moves beyond simple AI tools to offer a marketplace, community network, and a dedicated cultural support system for Lusophone artists.
From a Bedroom Project to a Global Network
Developed in late 2024 by artist Carlos Guedes from his home in Lisbon’s Bairro da Cruz Vermelha, DUA was born out of a desire to empower young creators who often feel excluded from the international market. “Dua 2.0 was focused on Artificial Intelligence; now, these ecosystem pillars are appearing to connect the community,” Guedes told Lusa news agency.
The platform now enables registered users to share ideas, collaborate on services, and sell art directly through an integrated marketplace. One of the most innovative features is the “cultural radar,” a tool that aggregates job opportunities and financial grants. The AI integration assists artists through every step of the process, from finding a call for entries to preparing and submitting the application.
Breaking Linguistic and Geographic Barriers
Guedes has placed a heavy emphasis on inclusivity, specifically improving the AI’s understanding of the Creoles of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. This allows for deeper cross-cultural collaboration, such as blending Brazilian artistic traditions with Mozambican influences.
“I have worked with artists like Ferro Gaita from Cape Verde and Karyna Gomes from Guinea-Bissau, and I brought that knowledge into the platform,” Guedes said. “Even with few resources, we have managed to build a functional platform that bridges the gaps between Lisbon, Luanda, Cape Verde, and São Paulo.”
Thinking Big from Small Places
With over 1,000 registered users—primarily aged 19 to 45—the project is now looking to move beyond the digital realm. The team is currently organizing its first physical fair for late October, with long-term plans to establish in-person creative hubs across the Lusophone world.
Despite receiving no public funding or external investment to date, DUA’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The project recently earned the Youth Foundation award for cultural entrepreneurship and was a finalist in the Start Rise competition, organized by Start Campus in partnership with Porto Business School.
“Just because we come from small places doesn’t mean we can’t think big,” Guedes concluded, emphasizing his vision of a unified, tech-empowered Lusophone creative community.
Image: Pexels – magapls .
