Former inmate lectures on AI at Middlesex University
Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough Social Enterprise, returned to his alma mater to discuss future career paths.
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Sobanan Narenthiran, chief executive of Breakthrough Social Enterprise, has returned to Middlesex University to lecture students on artificial intelligence careers. Narenthiran commenced his studies at the university in 2018, during which time he was serving a sentence at Springhill Prison. He was incarcerated for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
While in prison, Narenthiran began a biochemistry degree. He later completed a Master of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his return, Narenthiran described it as a "full-circle moment", contrasting his previous attendance on tag from prison with delivering guest lectures on preparing for a labour market shaped by AI. He expressed gratitude to Middlesex University for providing him with educational opportunities despite his criminal record.
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Narenthiran's journey began with aspirations of becoming a doctor, having started higher education at the University of Plymouth. His conviction in November 2017 preceded his studies at Middlesex. He noted that many universities declined applicants with criminal records at the time, but Middlesex offered him a place.
He has since established Breakthrough Social Enterprise, an Ofsted-registered organisation that offers AI and digital skills training. The enterprise focuses on assisting individuals from underserved communities and has successfully supported more than 1,200 graduates. Narenthiran has also become a United Nations AI for Good speaker.
Narenthiran stated that Breakthrough Social Enterprise aims to provide a space for learning and development, enabling individuals to achieve economic outcomes and find a sense of belonging. He believes that artificial intelligence holds the potential to reduce global inequality if implemented with careful consideration. However, he cautioned that AI could also exacerbate existing inequalities, emphasising that the direction of its development depends on contributions from both influential figures and ordinary individuals.
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Questions this report answers
+Who is Sobanan Narenthiran?
Sobanan Narenthiran is the CEO of Breakthrough Social Enterprise, an organisation that provides AI and digital skills training. He returned to Middlesex University, where he studied while serving a prison sentence, to lecture on AI careers.
+What is Breakthrough Social Enterprise?
Breakthrough Social Enterprise is an Ofsted-registered organisation that delivers AI and digital skills training to people from underserved communities. It has supported over 1,200 graduates and aims to help individuals achieve economic outcomes and find a sense of purpose.
+What was Sobanan Narenthiran's background before his current work?
Sobanan Narenthiran began studying at Middlesex University in 2018 while serving a sentence for conspiracy to supply cannabis at Springhill Prison. He has since rebuilt his life, becoming a UN AI for Good speaker and CEO of his social enterprise.
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