Open Call
HMGCC Co-Creation: Mobile mimicry using AI
Overview
Can you build an AI agent that behaves like a normal phone user to make testing easier and faster? We want to be able to automate the process of testing modified software on large numbers of mobile phones at once. The testing must be thorough, covering all possible situations and use cases.
We are seeking Technology Readiness Level 5 demonstrator within 12 weeks.
HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for applicants successful in phase 2 of the competition.
Technology themes
App development, business intelligence, communication systems, cybersecurity data science and engineering, digital services, information technology, software development.
Key information
HMGCC Co-Creation will be hosting a two-stage competition process.
Phase 1. The objective is to rapidly assess one-page proposals, no feedback will be given at this stage. Successful applicants will be invited to phase 2. For further information please see How to apply – phase 1.
Phase 2. Successful phase 1 applicants will be requested to submit a proposal directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk. For further information please see How to apply – phase 2.
Total budget (ex VAT), up to: £60,000
Project duration: 12 weeks
Phase 1 Competition opens: Monday 21 September 2026
Phase 1 competition closes: Thursday 8 October 2026
Applicants notified: Monday 19 October 2026
Phase 2 competition opens: Monday 19 October 2026
Phase 2 competition closes: Thursday 29 October 2026
Context of the challenge
National security engineering organisations regularly produce bespoke software for specialised deployments. This includes deploying software onto modified hardware, including mobile phones.
These devices are often used in critical missions, where failure is not an option. Testing on deployed devices must be thorough and robust. Industry will often do this using phone testing farms. We know employing AI agents could make this task easier.
This challenge is focussed on deploying AI agents onto mobile phones to replicate normal phone usage at scale.
Who should apply?
This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.
Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.
Phase 1 competition opens
Clarifying questions deadline
Clarifying questions published
Phase 1 competition closes
Applicants notified
Phase 2 competition opens
Phase 2 competition closes
Applicants notified
Pitch day in Milton Keynes
Commercial onboarding begins*
Jan
Target project kick-off
*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a 1-hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date and time specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.
Application process
Applications close 8 October 2026
Please find details on how to apply, as well as more information about the challenge, here.
Supporting documents
HMGCC Co-Creation supporting information
HMGCC works with the national security community, UK government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to bring engineering ingenuity to the national security mission, creating tools and technologies that drive us ahead and help to protect the nation.
HMGCC Co-Creation is a partnership between HMGCC and Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), created to deliver a new, bold and innovative way of working with the wider UK science and technology community. We bring together the best in class across industry, academia, and government, to work collaboratively on national security engineering challenges and accelerate innovation.
HMGCC Co-Creation aims to work collaboratively with the successful solution providers by utilising in-house delivery managers working Agile by default. This process will involve access to HMGCC Co-Creation’s technical expertise and facilities to bring a product to market more effectively than traditional customer supplier relationships.
