Past event
[Innovation Week 2025] Keynote --- Brewing Innovation, Changing Lives
Join us as we launch Innovation Week 2025 with an inspiring and interactive keynote featuring Max Dubiel and Ted Rosner, co-founders of Redemption Roasters and proud alumni of the University of St Andrews.
Redemption Roasters is the worlds first prison-based coffee company, on a mission to reduce reoffending by training people in prison as professional baristas and roastery technicians — and supporting them into employment on release. Founded in 2016 after being approached by the Ministry of Justice, the business has grown into a nationally recognised brand operating 12 coffee shops across London, a 7,500 sq. ft roastery inside HMP The Mount and two in-custody academies at HMP Wandsworth and HMP High Down. To date, Redemption Roasters has trained more than 1,500 individuals, with participant reoffending rates significantly below the national average.
In this dynamic session, Max and Ted will share:
How they spun a wholesale coffee business into a pioneering social enterprise inside the prison system
The realities of scaling a mission-driven brand
Insights into funding and ownership
The systemic context of the UK prison system, where reoffending costs billions annually and how Redemption Roasters tackles this
Lessons learn about consumer behaviour and sustainability
With plenty of time for audience Q&A, this event offers a rare chance to hear candid insights, behind-the-scenes stories and practical lessons from two trailblazing entrepreneurs whose work proves that business can be a vehicle for systemic change.
Why Attend?
Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, social innovation, ethical business or simply want to be inspired by real-world impact — this is a conversation not to be missed.
Who Should Attend?
All students
Academic and research staff
Professional service staff
Alumni
Local community and general public
Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to ensure availability.