CIRCAT, funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme, launches its Open Call 1 (Penetration Testing Scenarios Development) to support European organisations in strengthening cybersecurity resilience by defining and documenting realistic cyber threats against critical infrastructures.
Up to 18 proposals will be selected to design advanced penetration testing and customised risk scenarios. These scenarios must address the most pressing cyber threats facing prioritised critical infrastructure verticals: Energy, Health, Public Administration, Digital infrastructure, ICT Service management (B2B), and Financial market infrastructures.
💰 Funding available: Up to €40,000 lump sum per selected proposal (applicants must co-finance the proposed activity by a minimum of 50% of the total project costs).
🛠 Technical Support: Tailored 6-month Support Programme divided into three stages (Individual Mentoring Plan, Scenario Definition, and Scenario Integration & Validation).
📨 Proposals can be submitted by: National Cybersecurity Authorities (NCAs), National Coordination Centres, Operators of Essential Services (OES), large industrial installations, governmental entities, and stakeholders with the capacity to aggregate demand.
🌍 Eligible applicants: SMEs, mid-caps, large companies, research centres (including universities), and public bodies that are registered in, and controlled by, an entity or person established in a Member State of the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA).
📅 Application period: Starts 8 May 2026 at 10:00 (Brussels time), submission deadline: 9 July 2026 at 15:00 (Brussels time).
🔗 Find out more at https://circat.eu/open-calls/open-call-1/
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