On May 19, 2025, nearly 80 curious and enthusiastic students from grades 8 and 9 at the 2nd High School “Acad. Emiliyan Stanev” in Sofia had the unique opportunity to attend a special interactive session titled “Tech Talks with Nick Grebennikov: From Code to Cybersecurity.”
Nick Grebennikov, Chief Development Officer at Acronis, led the session with passion and purpose. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Nick brought complex tech topics to life making them accessible, relevant, and engaging for the young audience.
During the class, students explored the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), discovering how modern software is created: from planning and design to coding, testing, and beyond. Nick used vivid examples and relatable humor to explain the real-world process behind apps and tools students use every day.
The talk also introduced students to the world of Artificial Intelligence, including how neural networks work, what ChatGPT can do, and how AI is increasingly supporting both education and software development. In the final part of the session, the focus shifted to cybersecurity, with practical insights into recognizing online threats like phishing and malware, protecting digital identities, and building a positive online reputation.
To wrap up the talk, students enjoyed a fun and thought-provoking cyber safety quiz, reinforcing key lessons in an engaging and memorable way.
Nick shared his personal motivation for joining Acronis’ global educational efforts: “Spending time with these bright young minds was truly inspiring. At Acronis, we believe cybersecurity education should start early — not just to protect the next generation, but to empower it. Over the past two years, our employees have delivered over 75 cyber safety sessions to students around the world. I joined this effort to help kids understand online risks, explore AI, and get a glimpse into the world of software development. Together, we’re building a safer, smarter digital future.”
Nick’s visit left a lasting impression, sparking curiosity and opening minds to the possibilities of a career in technology. To build on this momentum, Acronis will be glad to welcome students from 2nd High School “Acad. Emiliyan Stanev” to its office in autumn 2025, offering a glimpse into the company’s dynamic environment. Other inquisitive young minds with an interest in IT will also be invited to discover what it’s like to work at the forefront of cyber protection and innovation.
Acronis Cyber Foundation Program welcomes individuals, groups, and companies to partner with us to work side-by-side with underserved communities to bring them hope through education.
Contact us to find out more!
