Where AI Meets Justice

Around the world, more than 300 million children are affected by online sexual exploitation each year. With the increased use of AI, that number is growing as predators weaponize AI to harm and exploit those most vulnerable. Lighthouse Solutions was created to fight this. 

Founded by Katherine Alexander, MBA/MSW ’26, Lighthouse Solutions is building proactive AI infrastructure for digital crime prevention and prosecution, starting with efforts to combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

In May, the team took first place in the 16th John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge (Edwardson SNVC), winning $200,000 in investment.

In addition to Alexander, the Lighthouse team includes Vincent Giacalone, Deneille Guiseppi, Kelsey Hill, Sarah Kim, MBA ’26, and Ajay Sailopal. We spoke with Alexander to learn more about the team’s venture and their journey to the Edwardson SNVC.

What prompted you to launch Lighthouse Solutions?

I’m a survivor of sexual abuse. I went through the criminal justice system myself and felt the secondary trauma of going through this process and not finding justice. I know what’s at stake because I’ve lived it. That’s what drives everything. I want to get predators off the street with as little survivor engagement in trial as possible to reduce the secondary trauma. This isn’t just a startup for me—it’s deeply personal.

How does the product work?

We’re helping law enforcement build evidence against online predators by automating the slow, manual process of undercover sting operations (think To Catch a Predator, but with AI bots). We deploy decoy bots, mimicking vulnerable individuals, in digital spaces where predators roam. We then deliver court-ready evidence so law enforcement can pursue the strongest possible case: built for convictions and to scale.

How did the Lighthouse team come together?

Honestly, the best way possible: shared mission. Sarah and I both worked at International Justice Mission. Vincent and Kelsey were first-years who resonated with what Lighthouse Solutions aims to accomplish—online safety and increasing convictions for predators. Ajay came through a computational science professor connection, and I met Deneille through a Tech Is Good Slack channel. Everyone showed up because they genuinely care about our mission.

How did you begin developing the product?

I started building a prototype myself using AI tools while I was assembling the tech team. Then my engineers took it and turned it into a fully functioning product. That scrappy early version proved the concept was viable when I was having customer discovery interviews and investor conversations. You have to start somewhere!

What inspired you to enter the SNVC?

Honestly, I knew I was doing SNVC before I even started at Booth and Crown. I came to get my MBA and MSW specifically to launch an anti-trafficking venture—I just needed to find the right gap. My clinical training and Booth coursework helped me land on solving law enforcement capacity. SNVC was always part of the plan, and I’m so glad I went through it.

What was it like to go through the SNVC?

I had already gone through the New Venture Challenge with another venture, so I knew what to expect, which was really helpful. My team is incredible, and we had a lot of things already built out, so during the class we focused on business development and refining the pitch. The coaches were extremely helpful, including Christina Hachikian, Todd Connor, Starr Marcello, Will Colegrove, and Rob Gertner. We couldn’t have done it without them! They were always available for our endless questions and meetings.

How did it feel to win?

Incredible. I’m honestly still a little in shock! But there’s no time to linger. We are in full build mode—hiring, refining, and executing. The win was a full circle moment for me after writing that this was what I wanted to do in my graduate school applications. Now, I’m doing this full-time!

What’s next for Lighthouse?

We’re hiring legal counsel and a full-stack engineer. I’m relocating to Washington, DC, a perfect home base for law enforcement partnerships. The goal is to pilot with two new customers by the end of the summer while continuing to fundraise. A lot of plates spinning, but what’s new? I got engaged and married during school while building this company! 

What are your long-term goals for the company?

We want to be the number one survivor- and trauma-informed company helping law enforcement protect children, reduce online sexual exploitation, and keep digital spaces safe—all while saving time and money for law enforcement, increasing convictions for prosecutors, and reducing secondary trauma for all (for example, survivors, detectives and attorneys). 

What advice would you give to other UChicago students considering pursuing social ventures?

Jump in! Seriously. You won’t see how all the steps connect at first, but you will eventually. Follow your passion and take the chances that help you grow. Money is secondary. Looking back, my time at BCG shaped how I think about product and tech. It taught me executive presence and how to juggle multiple things at once. It was terrifying to leave my consulting job, but I knew it was what I had to do. Then through school, my clinical training gave me a survivor-informed lens when I worked with human trafficking and abuse survivors. Everything counts. Just move forward and trust yourself.