The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has secured its first patent for a groundbreaking chatbot technology. This innovative tool, designed by NCITE researchers such as Joel Elson, Ph.D., and Erin Kearns, Ph.D., aims to transform threat reporting, providing law enforcement agencies with more accurate, actionable information to enhance community safety.
A New Era in Threat Reporting
Traditional methods like phone calls or online forms can seem daunting or impersonal. NCITE's chatbot offers a more approachable, conversational experience. Users can report suspicious activities anonymously or with their identity, with real-time responses ensuring no critical detail is missed. This tool simplifies the process, encouraging users to provide more detailed and relevant information.
Erin Kearns, Ph.D., highlights its importance: "This chatbot fills a critical gap by providing a safe and user-friendly way to report concerns, empowering individuals without fear of judgment."
Journey from Concept to Patent
The journey began in 2021, supported by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The research addressed barriers preventing people from reporting suspicious activities. In October 2023, NCITE filed a patent through UNeMed, the University of Nebraska’s commercialization office. Graduate and undergraduate students from the university significantly contributed to the system, making them co-inventors.
Joel Elson, Ph.D.: "NCITE showcases the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, giving students a unique opportunity to work on real-world solutions. Few places offer students the chance to earn patents before completing their degrees."
Commercialization and Future Prospects
NCITE partnered with FedTech’s Homeland Security Startup Studio to explore commercialization opportunities. This partnership connects NCITE's technology with experts in business development.
Tin Nguyen, Ph.D., is optimistic: "This achievement opens doors for us to bring more innovations to market in the future."
Tyler Scherr, Ph.D., a licensing associate with UNeMed, explains the commercial appeal: "From a commercialization perspective, the patent makes the technology much more enticing to license, providing a competitive advantage against similar products."
Broad Applications and Future Vision
NCITE is exploring licensing options across both public and private sectors. The applications range from law enforcement to corporate environments, addressing issues from suspicious activity reporting to workplace conduct. Tin Nguyen envisions broad integration: "Our vision is to integrate this technology into Nebraska law enforcement and educational systems and explore its potential in various industries."
This patent represents a pivotal milestone in NCITE's strategy to develop innovative tools that serve the public good, ensuring its work endures beyond its initial agreement with DHS.
