Circularo is set to play a crucial role in nurturing the UAE’s burgeoning cybersecurity talent by stepping in as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 School of Cyber Defence competition. This initiative, which is crafted to engage university students in practical cybersecurity challenges, is spearheaded by TechFirm Technology LLC and enjoys the auspices of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC). The competition is structured to simulate real-world security operations and will culminate in a final showdown on September 18, 2026, at GISEC Global, held in Dubai. Five standout teams will advance to this ultimate stage, where they will present and defend their strategic solutions before an expert panel of cybersecurity professionals.
Participants will embark on their journey in an online qualification round. The successful teams will then delve into a case study aimed at evaluating a security scenario and crafting an appropriate response. After an expert panel reviews their work, the top five teams will receive guidance from mentors before they compete in the final event. The 2026 competition is set to cover critical areas such as network protection, threat management, system security, and incident response, while also incorporating elements of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.
Circularo has expressed that its sponsorship aims to provide students with hands-on experience that supplements their academic learning. The company is also planning to share its industry knowledge through classroom interactions and engagements with the students. This initiative follows the inaugural School of Cyber Defence competition held during GISEC Global 2025, which drew over 300 applications from UAE universities and involved 130 students in the qualification rounds.
Eligible students, aged 17 and above, can form teams of up to five members to participate, with no prior competition experience necessary. The competition also offers an enticing prize pool exceeding AED 20,000. Key dates to note include the registration deadline on September 3, 2026, the online qualification by September 6, the case study and jury assessment between September 7 and 11, the announcement of finalists and mentorship on September 14, and the final competition on September 18, taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
Established in 2013, Circularo specializes in developing digital trust and document workflow solutions, such as electronic signing and secure digital transaction services. The company serves a diverse clientele, including government entities, businesses, and institutions across the Middle East and international markets.
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