Industry- Academia Network: Partnership highlight between Fortinet and the University of Girona

 As members of the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, Fortinet and the University of Girona are partnering to expand access to cybersecurity education. Through this collaboration, Fortinet will provide the University of Girona with unlimited complimentary access to its self-paced training courses for both students and faculty. In addition, Fortinet will sponsor certification exam vouchers at no cost for all participants.  

The partnership includes training and certifications through the Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification programme, covering all levels from Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) to the Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS). As part of the Fortinet Academic Partner Program, the university will additionally gain unrestricted access to online hands-on labs and virtual machines, significantly enhancing practical cybersecurity skills and real-world readiness.

This partnership will further support the implementation the pledge made by Fortinet under the Cybersecurity to provide training, certification and awareness-raising to 75,000 EU citizens, in line with its Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) values. 

On 18 June 2025, Fortinet and University of Girona have signed a partnership as part of the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, joining efforts to narrow the cybersecurity skills and talent gap in Europe. 

We recognize that fully preparing students for the job market is a challenge the academic sector cannot tackle alone. That’s why we are proud to join forces with Fortinet through the Industry-Academia Network of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy. This partnership aims to equip our students with both technical and practical skills, helping to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap across Europe. 

Sandra Bonillo, Cybersecurity Master Coordinator, Universitat de Girona 

We are pleased to be part of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy’s Industry-Academia Network. Through this growing collaboration between industry and academia, we aim to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and empower the next generation of professionals with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to protect our digital future.

Rob Rashotte, Vice President, Fortinet Training Institute, Fortinet 

The partnership

Fortinet and the University of Girona partner to grow the European entry-level cybersecurity talent pool.   

Partners:  

Academia: University of Girona

Industry: Fortinet  

Description: 

The partnership is prioritising cybersecurity skills to address the workforce shortage and boost its competitiveness and industry-academia collaboration, with a mission to create experts in the field of cybersecurity while developing the cyber workforce of the future. 

Target audience: This initiative supports students that are interested in cybersecurity. Applicable to anyone from beginners to experts, it provides skills and knowledge for students across all cybersecurity roles, sectors, and technologies, ensuring inclusive and comprehensive skill development for the entire academic and professional ecosystem. 

Level: entry, reskilling, upskilling

European Cybersecurity Skills Framework Roles Profile: All

Sector: No specific sector is targeted. 

Cybersecurity with technology-specific interest: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Edge computing, Virtual, augmented or mixed reality, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Green Tech, 5G, 6G, Cloud, Cryptograph. 

Location: The partnership is available with flexible learning options in both self-paced and classroom-based formats.

Languages: English (all curriculum and courses), Spanish (Fortinet Certified Fundamentals)

Cost: No cost

Link to the initiative:https://www.fortinet.com/training/academic-partner-program

Contact person: aaze@fortinet.com