CIRCAT Open Call 1

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).