Didimo, a spin-off incubated at UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, is now one of the most established and promising names in the world of digital avatar technologies. The company combines cutting-edge science with practical applications across sectors ranging from video games and entertainment to augmented reality, digital communication and much more

From its very beginnings, Didimo has stood out on the technology scene. In 2021, the company won the TechTour Deep Tech 2021 award, a significant accolade for start-ups with deep-tech foundations and the potential for global impact. This award helped to cement Didimo’s reputation as a project of excellence within the international deep-tech ecosystem.

Shortly afterwards, Didimo was named one of Europe’s 50 most promising technologies, reinforcing its status amongst the tech start-ups with the greatest potential for growth and innovation on the continent.

Didimo develops technology that digitally transforms the way we interact with human representations in virtual environments. Using artificial intelligence and advanced computer graphics methods, the company creates realistic digital avatars (known as ‘Didimos’) from simple photographs. This solution has immediate applications in video games, virtual reality, streaming, metaverses and a wide range of personalised digital experiences.

Investment rounds driving expansion

Didimo’s growth trajectory has been accompanied by significant investment. Even in its early years, the company raised over 1 million euros in an initial funding round, a crucial boost to accelerate technological development and expand its teams.

Subsequently, Didimo secured over €7 million in funding — a testament to investors’ confidence in the potential of its technology. Part of this capital was bolstered in 2021 with €1.8 million in support from the European Commission, as part of initiatives promoting technological innovation with economic and social impact.

The most recent milestone came with a €44 million funding round, which further strengthens the company’s capacity for expansion into mature markets (such as video games and digital entertainment) and emerging markets (such as metaverses, corporate digital communication and immersive experiences).

From UPTEC to the world

Didimo’s journey highlights not only its capacity for innovation, but also the importance of an ecosystem that supports technological entrepreneurship. By setting up at UPTEC, the company benefited from an environment of mentoring, networking and access to resources that helped transform an emerging technology into high-impact commercial solutions.

As it has grown, Didimo has strengthened its international presence, working with global partners and positioning itself as a leading player in the development of advanced digital avatars – an increasingly strategic segment in the digital world.
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