Circularo is bolstering the UAE’s cybersecurity talent pool by returning as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 School of Cyber Defence competition. Organized by TechFirm Technology LLC with support from the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), this initiative aims to equip university students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity. The competition engages students through real-world security scenarios, culminating in a final event at GISEC Global in Dubai on September 18, 2026. Out of all the participating teams, the top five will be selected to present and defend their solutions in front of a panel of cybersecurity experts.
The competition is structured in multiple phases, beginning with an online qualification round. Teams that advance will tackle a case study, requiring them to analyze a security situation and devise a response. Following the case study phase, an expert panel will review the solutions and mentor the top five teams for the final showdown. The 2026 edition will cover key cybersecurity areas like network protection, threat management, and incident response, along with a focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Open to students aged 17 and above, the competition allows participation in teams of up to five members, with no prior competition experience necessary. The event not only offers a prize pool exceeding AED 20,000 but also provides invaluable practical experience that complements academic learning. Circularo is committed to enhancing the participants’ learning journey by sharing industry expertise through classroom engagements and interactions with students.
The initiative builds on the success of the inaugural School of Cyber Defence competition held during GISEC Global 2025, which saw participation from over 300 applicants from UAE universities, with 130 students making it to the qualification rounds. Registration for the 2026 competition closes on September 3, followed by online qualifications by September 6, and the case study phase from September 7 to 11. Finalists will be announced and mentored on September 14, leading up to the final event on September 18, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.
Circularo, founded in 2013, specializes in digital trust and document workflow solutions, including electronic signing and secure digital transactions. The company serves a diverse clientele, including government bodies, businesses, and institutions across the Middle East and other international markets, further cementing its role in fostering cybersecurity education and innovation. More details can be found on their website or by contacting them directly.
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