We’re aiming to bring a billion people into a new era.

Tech and AI literacy is dominated by a small group of people. As we enter a new age where tech will touch every aspect of our lives and communities, known as the Silicocene (Silico-seen), it’s crucial that the global majority are in the conversation — especially those who don’t see themselves as tech enthusiasts.

A billion people by 2035 seems crazy, doesn’t it? But we’re starting a ripple effect where our graduates educate, influence and support their communities both in the UK and around the world.

Changing things on a global scale begins with believing that we can. And that you can too.

Breakthrough is a grassroots, values-driven social enterprise.  

We are a collective of tech experts and thought leaders from underserved, often ignored backgrounds by a shared outlook.

Our mission is to equip individuals from marginalised and underrepresented communities with the skills, mindsets, and opportunities needed to flourish in a fast-changing, AI-powered world.

Large changes in technology, like AI, can be controversial. But when those changes are inevitable, it’s our duty to make sure they’re used as ethically, sustainably and equitably as possible. These are powerful tools that can regenerate our planet and nourish our communities — but only in the hands of people who care about our shared future before profit.

Our People

You know that we can give your ambitions a Breakthrough. Now meet some of the people who will help you get there.

Sobanan Narenthiran

CEO

Sobanan Narenthiran is the CEO of Breakthrough Social Enterprise, a mission-driven organisation preparing people for the industries of tomorrow through inclusive digital skills and AI education. Drawing on lived experience of the criminal justice system, he has built Breakthrough into a leading force for equitable pathways into tech, working with government, industry, and grassroots communities. He is the creator of The Silicocene framework and is driven by a belief that AI should amplify human potential and advance social justice, ensuring the benefits of technological progress are shared by all.

Humble beginnings to lofty ambitions

The Breakthrough Journey

We have everything we need to take our learners from the humblest beginnings to untold potential. Because we’ve taken the same journey.

In 2020, we began supporting prison leavers and marginalised groups to kickstart digital careers, with over 100 people empowered in a short time. After securing placements at organisations like KPMG, it became clear that we could support many more people. So we began to reach further.

In 2024, we partnered with the Department for Education, IBM, and a growing network of influential businesses to develop custom curriculum frameworks and begin important conversations about ethics in AI. That year also saw the birth of the Silicocene — a newly defined era where humanity and technology come together. With the rules of the Silicocene being written in real time, it’s essential that we continue enabling as many people as possible to join the field.

Our goals are global, but our roots remain crucial.

In 2025, we started work on new prison-based programmes in collaboration with BT and the Ministry of Justice. There is so much to come, and we want to ensure nobody is left behind.

Our work is funded by those who believe in you.

Providing training at little or no cost can only happen with the support of our partners.

If you know an organisation who would like to support our mission, please get in touch. When skilled, diverse people enter the career pool, our funders benefit as much as anyone.

Contact

AI moves fast

Keep up with the Breakthrough Breakdown.