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About Breakthrough

We help people rebuild. Skills are the way in.

Breakthrough Social Enterprise teaches AI and digital skills to people who are often left out.

That includes people leaving prison, care leavers and young people not in work or education.

We believe technology should lift people up, not lock them out.

Our story so far

From one idea to thousands of people.

Scroll down to see how Breakthrough grew from a small social enterprise into a recognised movement.

2020

Breakthrough starts

Breakthrough Social Enterprise is founded. The mission: teach AI and digital skills to people from underserved communities, including people leaving prison.

2021–2023

Skills programmes go national

Breakthrough works to deliver AI, digital and employability skills programmes nationally.

2024

The Silicocene is published

CEO Sobanan Narenthiran writes The Silicocene. It sets out Breakthrough's view: technology can either widen inequality or close the gap, depending on who gets access.

2025

UN-level recognition

Breakthrough becomes a founding contributor to the UN ITU AI Skills Coalition, alongside AWS, Microsoft and UNDP.

Dec 2025

Matrix Standard accreditation

Breakthrough is awarded the Matrix Standard for information, advice and guidance services, meaning our programmes are meeting the national standard.

Mar 2026

Ofsted 'Expected Standard'

Breakthrough achieves Ofsted 'Expected Standard' across all areas, meaning our quality of education is recognised nationally.

2026

1,200+ people reached

Across all programmes, Breakthrough reaches 1,200+ people. 700+ are directly supported through skills bootcamps.

Want to learn more?

Visit the main Breakthrough website to find courses, coaching and ways to get involved.

Go to Breakthrough