eSim Reader Challenge

Context

National security has a requirement to read IMSI numbers from mobile phones and other small electronic devices that members of staff use, ensuring we have duty of care. Existing techniques include removing the physical SIM card from the device and placing it into a reader that interrogates the card and displays its IMSI number.

The Challenge

There is a rapidly increasing prevalence among mobile phone manufacturers to move away from using removable SIM cards in favour of embedded or integrated SIMS (eSIM). The iPhone 14 sold in the US, for example, no longer has a physical SIM card holder, but uses an eSIM instead. It’s anticipated that many other manufacturers will also transition from physical SIM cards to eSIMs in the near future. Commercial software solutions are able to read eSIMs but they also collect collateral data, such as contact lists and SMS messages in addition to IMSI numbers, which is unacceptable for this scenario as it contravenes data handling regulations. There is therefore, no currently no acceptable means to read and record IMSI numbers from the emerging generation of eSIM enabled mobile phones and devices.

Project scope

Below is a list of desirable functions:

1. The solution(s) must be able to read and display IMSI numbers from a wide range of unlocked mobile phones that utilise eSIMs.

2. Where more than one eSIM is active within a given mobile device, the solution(s) must be capable of reading and displaying the IMSI number for each SIM.

3. The solutions(s) should read and display the IMSI number of the phone of interest, only, and no other data from this phone nor any data, at all, from other phones, nearby.

4. The solution(s) must not pose a risk of damaging or corrupting the device being read or its associated eSIM.

5. The solution(s) should be intuitive to use, such that non-technical people can read and record IMSI numbers, effectively, with little or no training.

6. It is also desirable, for the solution(s) to read and display IMSI numbers from conventional SIM cards and satphone equivalents in addition to those from eSIMs.

We are interested in developing innovative technology to approximately TRL 5 or 6, that can take an IMSI reading from an eSIM device (device agnostic) without taking collateral information. We are not prescriptive on the format of the concept demonstrator. But it must comply with data protection and GDPR, data aggregation must be considered and handled securely. We are not interested in horizon scanning, technology mapping or low TRL developments.

How to apply

HMGCC Co-Creation are working with a multiple and diverse set of community collaborators to broadcast and host our challenges, including Plexal. If possible, please submit applications directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk, including the challenge title with a note referencing that the Plexal was where you first saw this challenge.

Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. The page/slide limit excludes personnel CVs and organisational profiles.

There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:

• Applicant details: Contact name, organisation details and registration number.
• Scope: Describe how the project aligns to the challenge scope.
• Innovation: Describe the innovation and technology intended to be delivered in the project, along with new IP that will be generated or existing IP that can be used.
• Deliverables: Describe the project outcomes and their impacts.
• Timescale: Detail how a minimum viable product will be achieved within the project duration.
• Budget: Provide project finances against deliverables within the project duration.
• Team: Key personnel CVs and expertise, organisational profile if applicable.

All information you provide to us as part of your proposal, whether submitted directly or via a collaborator platform, will be handled in confidence.

Successful applicants will be invited to a pitch day, giving them a chance to meet the HMGCC Co- Creation team and pitch the proposal during a 20 minute presentation, followed by questions. After the pitch day, a final funding decision will be made. For unsuccessful applicants, feedback will be given in a timely manner.

Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk prior to the cut-off date. These clarifying questions may be technical, procedural, or commercial in subject, or anything else where assistance is required. Please note that answered questions will be published to facilitate a fair and open competition.