On 28 January 2026, the CURIUM and CUSTODES projects jointly engaged with French SMEs in an in-person stakeholder session designed to strengthen collaboration and maximise impact across both initiatives.

The event showcased the complementary nature of the two projects and their shared objective of supporting SMEs in their preparation for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Participants were introduced to CURIUM’s CRA-scope assessment tool, which serves as an accessible first step for organisations seeking to understand their CRA readiness. SMEs demonstrating interest and positive assessment outcomes were subsequently invited to explore the CUSTODES Pilot Program, where they can benefit from free expert mentoring, access to advanced cybersecurity tools and platforms, and tailored guidance to address forthcoming CRA compliance requirements.

This collaborative approach enables the validation and refinement of CURIUM’s solutions through direct SME feedback while simultaneously increasing participation in CUSTODES’ personalised support activities, creating a seamless pathway for SME engagement and capacity building.