2025 marks a transformative chapter in the journey of Telerik Academy - we are going international!
But to tell you the truth - it was a long time coming.
With 15+ years of experience guiding and supporting everyone looking to change their career and join the tech sector in Bulgaria, we’ve taken our next bold step beyond borders.
Introducing
Katalysta – our new brand for international operations, created to bring our mission of fostering tech talent to communities around the globe.
And the first country to welcome Katalysta?
Georgia!
This milestone is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to the strength of our programs, the dedication of our team, and the growing demand for quality tech education worldwide.
Let us take you behind the scenes of this exciting development, sharing why
Georgia was chosen, what this means for Telerik Academy, and how Katalysta will carry our values internationally.
Why Georgia?
As we explored potential markets for our international debut, Georgia stood out as a country with ambitions to become a digital hub for the Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia). Its fast-growing IT sector, supported by government initiatives and private sector investments, reflects the conditions we’ve successfully addressed in Bulgaria.
The IT industry’s revenues in Georgia have seen record growth, surpassing $784 million in 2023, a 27.5% increase, with similar momentum expected in 2024. This thriving ecosystem made Georgia a natural choice for Katalysta’s first step. The country mirrors the conditions in Bulgaria from around 10 years ago and conditions that we’ve addressed here.
Beyond the numbers, what truly resonated with us was Georgia’s entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for growth. Just as Telerik Academy was established to fill a gap in Bulgaria’s IT sector, Katalysta’s mission in Georgia is to bridge the skills gap and empower aspiring developers to build careers that shape their nation’s future.
That’s why we start with our flagship tech program Alpha.
We built
Alpha with the idea that we want to have a program that teaches people programming but also - teaches them how to change their thinking, transform their skills, be developers, but also be team players, constant learners, and with a lot of work - leaders, eager to give back to those, starting their journey on the same path.
We are happy that we can offer the same quality to all motivated people in Georgia who want to become developers.
“The expansion into the Georgian market is a logical strategic step in fulfilling Telerik Academy’s mission to be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and positive impact, as well as its ambition to extend this impact beyond the borders of Bulgaria. Our global brand with even greater ambitions, Katalysta, derives its name from the word 'catalyst.' We are thrilled that this important milestone in our development as an organization is happening now—shortly after we celebrated the 15th anniversary of Telerik Academy. We believe that our model can be successfully replicated and serve as a catalyst for positive change both on an individual level and within the industry in markets with developing IT ecosystems and a growing need for talent to sustain them,” shared
Alexandra Mechkova, CEO of Telerik Academy.
Building bridges through collaboration
Our entry into Georgia wouldn’t have been possible without partnerships.
The franchise operation will be carried out in partnership with the Georgian software development company Spinom Digital, specializing in the creation of digital products with a focus on e-commerce solutions, web development, and application support.
Spinom Digital, much like Telerik Academy, shares the belief that well-prepared talent will be valuable not only for the IT industry but also for Georgia's overall economy and the future of many young people in the country.
This approach allows us to create a lasting impact, much like we’ve done in Bulgaria, where our Alpha graduates clearly stand out on the job market. By building strong relationships with Georgian tech companies and institutions, we aim to replicate this success story.
What this means for Telerik Academy
While the launch of Katalysta marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, our commitment to Bulgaria remains stronger than ever.
Everything remains just as you know it here, in Bulgaria - we are fully, 100% dedicated to keep developing our programs, adding new training and being there for you when you want to reskill, upskill or you just need new skills to jump to the next position. In 2024, we expanded our
Upskill offerings with new programs in
Data,
Leadership, and a
mini MBA.
And in 2025, we are not slowing down.
Expect new Upskill programs as early as February, focusing on the most in-demand skills and topics. Additionally, we are putting even more focus on our reach beyond Sofia, as we believe in the potential of cities across Bulgaria to cultivate strong tech talent
We are happy to share this step with all of you, as without your trust in us for your career transformation or jumpstart, we wouldn't be here. Everything we’ve accomplished together - from transforming the lives of you, our students, to elevating Bulgaria’s tech sector - has prepared us for this moment.
This expansion reinforces our mission to remain a leader in tech education, both at home and abroad. It’s a reminder that the programs and practices we’ve developed here in Bulgaria are so effective, they’re ready to take on the world.
For those of you inspired by this journey, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Explore our
Alpha programs, designed to jumpstart your IT career, or dive into our
Upskill offerings to elevate your professional journey. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced professional, we have a program tailored to your goals.
Wait - what is Katalysta? The brand for global impact
What is Katalysta? Well, simply put, it’s our way of scaling our impact. The name reflects the essence of what we do – catalyzing personal and professional growth through education.
Katalysta isn’t just a rebranded version of Telerik Academy; it’s a commitment to adapt and localize our expertise to meet the unique needs of each market.
For Georgia, this means tailoring our flagship programs, such as Alpha, to align with local industry demands while maintaining the high standards that have made Telerik Academy a trusted name in Bulgaria.
Together, we grow
As we celebrate this next chapter, we’re reminded of the incredible community that made it possible. Students, partners, trainers, and alumni - your passion and dedication are the driving force behind our success.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’ve proven that with the right opportunities, talent knows no borders.
Here’s to the future – in Bulgaria, Georgia, and beyond.
