HMGCC is seeking proposals for an AI agent that behaves like a normal phone user to make testing easier and faster, to be able to automate the process of testing modified software on large numbers of mobile phones at once.
Up to £60,000 is available for projects of up to 12 weeks which will result in a TRL 5 demonstrator.
This challenge is focused on deploying AI agents onto mobile phones to replicate normal phone usage at scale.
The AI agent must be able to mimic human behaviour patterns, including the ability to
- connect to a network
- have some pre-trained personas to mimic a variety of different natural behaviours, including accessing web pages and sending messages
- replicate those habits at human-like speed, not machine-speed.
Essential requirements:
- The AI Agent should be demonstrated operating in an emulated environment.
- Must provide source code and a detailed technical report.
- Installation and operation must require no technical expertise.
- The agent runs unsupervised in training; a human can intervene during
operational use. - The project must demonstrate appropriate guardrails, including explainability of AI agent autonomy and robustness of cybersecurity.
- Must be able to send SMS, use messaging apps and place voice calls.
- Solution must make it possible for variety of personas to be selected.
- Able to route traffic through configurable VPN exit nodes.
Desirable requirements:
- Run on a physical mobile phone (not just an emulation).
- Target the smallest, most powerful efficient model available.
Constraints:
- Testing will take place in an on-premises environment
- No training data will be provided
Not required:
- natural language phone conversations
- horizon scanning
- low TRL research
One-page summary proposals are due 8 October 2026.
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by 29 October 2026.
Document
Challenge Document – Mobile Mimicry Using AI – HMGCC- Mobile Mimicy
