From 2025 to 2026: A Year in Review at NewTech Academy

We are about to draw a line under an intense year, which will remain a milestone in the evolution of technology and education. 2025 marked the transition of artificial intelligence from the stage of experimentation and novelty to that of a driving force in the IT industry, influencing the way we write code, create designs, and protect our data.

But beyond prompts, algorithms, and other buzzwords, for us, 2025 was about people. It was about the courage to learn, the ambition to start a new career, and the extraordinary community we built together at NewTech Academy.

Here is our retrospective for the year that is coming to an end, seen through the eyes of NewTech Academy trainers and partners, and built on a single common thread: change.

Outside: An Ever-Changing IT Landscape

The last few months have brought a wave of innovations affecting every branch of IT. Here is a summary of the essential news from our IT news series:

2025 in AI

AI has become ubiquitous and increasingly specialized.

• OpenAI has launched “Study Mode” for guided learning.
• Science has received a major boost through the “OpenAI for Science” initiative, while Google has begun publishing transparent data on the energy consumption of Gemini models.
• Nvidia has revolutionized the automotive industry with an open-source model for autonomous vehicles, and Google has unveiled ambitious plans for data centers in space (Project Suncatcher) to reduce its carbon footprint.

In this context, Shay Hafzadi, CEO of NewTech Academy, has this to say to current and future students:

“The IT industry has changed. It’s no longer just about writing code, but about knowing how to solve big problems using AI. To all those who are just starting out or want to move to the next level: don’t be afraid of AI—use it to do more.

Today, the only real limit is your own creativity. It’s no longer enough to just know a programming language; what matters is how you apply that knowledge to create solutions.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the goal is the same: to become a professional that the world needs. In 2026, AI is no longer an extra skill, but the very way we work.”

2025 in Programming

Code writing is gradually becoming a partnership between humans and AI.

• Google has expanded access to AI coding assistants by launching a free version of Gemini Code Assist, and Apple has brought native Linux containerization to Mac.
• Python has made a strong comeback in web development, and GitHub has launched Spark, a platform that allows the creation of applications through “vibes” (natural language), without intensive manual coding.
• The coding “personalities” of AI models (Claude vs. GPT) were analyzed, highlighting the need for rigorous human validation to avoid technical debt.

Tiberiu Radu, trainer of the Full-Stack Programming and Python Full-Stack courses at NewTech Academy, observes:

“2025 was an intense year full of transformations in tech, but above all, a year in which we saw people truly grow. As a trainer, the greatest satisfaction does not come from new languages or frameworks, but from the moment when a student begins to think like a developer and gains confidence in their own abilities. The NewTech Academy community is about curiosity, constant work, and real support, not just courses. For those who are already with us: keep going, you’re on the right track. For those thinking about 2026: don’t wait for the “perfect moment” — in tech, the best time to start is now.”

2025 in Cyber Security

Threats have become more sophisticated, paradoxically using security tools themselves.

• Invisible malware techniques (Shade BIOS) and “double-masked phishing” attacks have emerged.
• Discussions about privacy have intensified with the Apple Intelligence scandal and fines imposed on giants such as Google and Shein for their cookie management practices.
• Vibe coding has created new vulnerabilities in applications, and researchers have demonstrated how poetry can be used to bypass (jailbreak) the security filters of AI models.

As Horia Munteanu, trainer of the IT & Cyber Security course, points out:

“This year has confirmed once again that cybersecurity is an essential component for any tech professional. The greatest satisfaction I have had as a trainer has been to see how students learn to think critically, ask questions, and understand the impact that security has in the digital world. For those who want to start such a course, now is the right time, because cybersecurity is not just a career, but also a responsibility and an opportunity to make the internet a safer place.”

2025 in Digital Marketing

SEO and the world of e-commerce have adapted to the new “zero-click” reality.

• The focus has shifted to semantic content and eliminating “soft 404” errors, while AI agents have begun to take over the task of online shopping.
• Brands have had to adapt to the decline in organic visibility caused by AI Overviews in Google.
• OpenAI and Perplexity have launched dedicated Shopping features, transforming chatbots into e-commerce hubs that compete directly with traditional search engines.

Ioan Mihuț, trainer of the Digital Marketing course, notes:

“Throughout 2025, we have seen a profound change in how SEO strategy needs to be thought out and executed: it is no longer enough to ‘optimize for search engines’, but you need to create content that is clear, complete, and useful, capable of fully responding to the real needs of users and being recognized by AI systems as a trusted source.

For current students, my message is to embrace this evolution and not be afraid to combine strategic thinking with data, and for those thinking of starting in 2026, know that the field of digital marketing requires curiosity, adaptability, and a constant desire to learn.

This year has shown us that, in the era of AI and generative search, success comes from relevance, structure, and depth—and those who understand this will have a huge advantage in the future.”

2025 in Graphic Design & UX

Creative tools have been refined, with an emphasis on efficiency and quality.

• Apple introduced the “Liquid Glass” design language, and the community debated a return to “quality over speed.”
• Image generation has become much more controllable with new models from Google (Nano-Banana) and Alibaba.
• Figma has transitioned to a “token-first” workflow for scalable design systems, and Runway has raised the bar for video realism with its Gen-4.5 model.

Mihnea Trușcă, trainer of the Graphic Design course, sums it up:

“The last time a graphic designer’s life was radically changed was when the computer — through programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and later InDesign — replaced the pen, ink, watercolors, and graph paper.

Today, the same tools that define our profession are undergoing a new wave of transformations, accelerated by artificial intelligence. We are no longer talking only about speed or automation, but about the way we think, experiment, and create.

Paradoxically, although technology is doing more and more of the “hard work,” there has never been a more spectacular time to be a graphic designer. Creativity, visual taste, and the ability to make good decisions matter more than ever.

Inside: Personal Change and the Power of a New Beginning

Beyond statistics and news, this year was about you. About every person who chose not to settle for “good enough,” who felt the need for change and had the courage to act.

Embarking on a new career path, enrolling in a course, and putting in consistent effort—in the evenings, week after week—to acquire a whole new set of skills is not easy. It is a process of profound inner transformation, intended for those who know that the future is not something we wait for to happen to us, but something we build with our strength, ambition, and freedom. Because “no one can go back in life and rewrite the beginning, but anyone can start today to create a new ending.” (Maria Robinson).

You are the ones writing this new ending, and we are honored to be by your side.

As Adrian Beteringhe, trainer of the Data Analyst course, says:

“In 2025, technology has evolved faster than ever, and data analysis has become an essential tool for understanding the world, not just measuring it. The NewTech Academy community has shown that real progress comes when learning is supported by curiosity, perseverance, and a sincere desire to become better, step by step. Each project, each data set, and each challenge has contributed to building solid analytical thinking that goes beyond tools and technologies.

For current students, I remind you that the frustration of not understanding something on the first read is normal and necessary — in this field, new challenges arise constantly, and adaptability is the key to success.

For those considering a Data Analyst course in 2026, it is important to know that you don’t need to know everything from the start, but to be open to learning and asking the right questions. Data analysis is not just about numbers, but clarity, confidence in decisions, and the ability to turn information into real impact.”

NewTech Academy: 2025 in Figures…

For us, 2025 was a year of growth and consolidation. The figures tell the story of the impact we have had together.

• More than 400 new students joined us this year, eager to learn a profession of the future.
• We have exceeded the threshold of 1,000 students in total since our establishment.

Daniel Marin, IT & SOC course trainer:

“Looking back at the achievements of the NewTech community in 2025, what pleases me most is the evolution of the students, from their first timid interactions to their courage to step forward to present their vision and try new technologies. Dear students, continue to be curious and open to change, and for those of you who are planning to take the plunge in 2026, I promise you that the road is challenging, but our community is here to support you every step of the way and prepare you for a new direction in your career. Technology is constantly evolving, so we welcome you to the NewTech community to keep up with the future.”

• We have organized 18 course groups, forming close-knit and dynamic learning communities.

• We already have around 200 graduates who hold diplomas recognized by the Ministry of Labor and our partners at Wawiwa, ready to enter the job market.

… And Plans for 2026

Of course, we won’t stop here. Technology is advancing, and we are keeping pace. We are very excited to announce that in the first half of 2026, we will launch the Full-Stack AI Programming course at NewTech Academy! This program is designed to give you the training you need to develop complex web applications from scratch using AI-assisted coding. Get ready for a learning experience that will help you get to the forefront of software innovation.

As Dan Gheorghe, CEO of IntraLinks, says:

“AI doesn’t take your job. It redefines your work — so you can focus on more complex problems, better decisions, and greater impact.

Every generation has a skill that becomes a ‘must-have,’ and for us, right now, that’s AI: not as a buzzword, but as a tool for productivity, quality, and innovation.

If you want to stay relevant in the new IT landscape, start today: learn the tools, understand the principles, and apply them in real projects. Upskilling in AI is one of the safest investments you can make in your career.”

—

“AI is a catalyst for efficiency in creative and tech industries, helping us streamline processes, speed up deliverables, and stay relevant in an ever-changing environment. The integration of marketing and technology allows us to combine predictive insights and strategies with human creativity, intuition, and vision, transforming transactions into lasting and valuable connections.”

– says Lavinia Chican, co-founder of NewTech Academy

Our Conclusion

We end this year with gratitude. We are proud to work alongside talented and dedicated professionals: our trainers, partners, and the entire NewTech Academy team, who demonstrate the power of a job well done every day.

Above all, we are delighted to be inspired by our students. You amaze us every moment with your ability to learn and transform. The quality of your work, reflected in complex assignments and creative portfolios, as well as in the remarkable professional results you achieve after graduation, is our fuel. Thank you.

Cheers to a year that ended with joy and a 2026 full of positive change!

Happy New Year! 🥂