We are a research & technology organization fighting human trafficking.

We build the infrastructure & connect the dots across data, concepts, and agencies.

Doing so illuminates smarter solutions to combat trafficking, violence, and exploitation. We incubated our models in Omaha, NE, and then built and rebuilt our software until they became responsive to the complexities that trafficking presents when you confront the problem on its doorstep. Our software is innovative, collaborative, and effective in communities across the United States.
2012
2012

CEO joined research lab

Our current CEO joins an experimental research lab as a graduate student at Creighton University. It became apparent how detrimental the lack of data on the human trafficking industry was and the implications presented when trying to conduct meaningful research.

2015
2015

HTI at Creighton is formed

Grants paved the way for the formal creation of the Human Trafficking Initiative, and from there, our methodology began to form. Using data science, online advertisements, and network analysis, we began to gain insight into the industry – understanding the complicated dynamics distinguishing factors from willful sex work.

2016
2016

Strategy Success

Our research strategy proved successful; we were able to identify high-risk individuals and potential networks to law enforcement agencies. We supported investigations and provided our first official lead.

2016
2016

Co-Chairing Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force

Our CEO signs on as co-chair of the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force Screening & Data Committee in an effort to improve collective identification and response.

Learn more about the Task Force
2017
2017

First iteration of LEADS is launched

The first coherent iteration of our LEADS software was built, and we collaborated extensively with investigators on two leads that resulted in the prosecution of offenders who had been systematically exploiting people all across the country.

2017
2017

Wrote criminal record relief law

If our algorithms were going to be useful in solving real problems, then they needed to reflect the real world. So, in addition to studying the problem, we worked hand-in-hand with people on the ground. We worked with law enforcement on investigations, provided data reports to jurisdictions across the country, put on an international conference for human trafficking research, and worked on policy. This included the drafting of Nebraska’s criminal record relief law for victims of trafficking to clear their records for crimes they were forced (by their traffickers) to commit.

Read the bill
2018
2018

The Omaha Model

We continue to scale our approach and gain recognition as “the Omaha model.”

Read more
2018
2018

HTI Labs is born

As the seed funding came to an end and Backpage was shut down, we designed our dream solutions and decided to invest in building it as HTI Labs, a social enterprise.

2019
2019

Local Traffickers Prosecuted

Two local traffickers are prosecuted with the support of our leads.

“HTI’s research & analysis have repeatedly been instrumental in making our operations successful. They helped discover & organize the data on a large, multi-layered, gang-related sex trafficking ring in Omaha.” -Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator

September 2019
September 2019

CEO Testifies at Senate Hearing

Our CEO testifies before the Senate’s Subcommittee National Security and International Trade and Finance Committee regarding Human Trafficking and its intersection with the Financial System.

Hear the testimony
September 2020
September 2020

PAVE is released

We launched PAVE, a guided platform that helps entities identify and respond to trafficking as a community. Nebraska DHHS was our first client. Today, their entire child welfare system uses the platform.

Learn more on PAVE
September 2022
September 2022

Updated version of LEADS is launched

A reinvigorated version of LEADS is designed to support investigative partners in navigating an industry that is constantly evolving. It is launched in several jurisdictions across the United States.

Learn more on LEADS
September 2023
September 2023

PAVE expands into schools

Cemented PAVE contract to expand into local schools.