This paper aims to the transformative role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in partnership with smart prison initiatives to advance the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on quality education (SDG 4), peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) and reduction of inequalities (SDG 10). The integration of advanced technology and education in the correctional system setting, known as ‘Smart Prisons,’ proposes a more humane and effective approach to inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. Our study investigates how HEIs can contribute with expertise, research, and technological development to improve prison conditions, empower inmates with relevant skills for the modern economy, and decrease recidivism rates. The multidisciplinary approach spans the deployment of data-driven prison management systems to educational programs tailored for inmate preparation for societal reentry. By placing HEIs at the forefront of this transformative agenda, the study argues that universities can significantly enhance the efficacy of correctional institutions and promote broader social impact, aiding in the fulfillment of several SDGs in an integrated manner. This active role of universities as agents of social and institutional change highlights their transformative power not just within academia, but in addressing complex social challenges.