Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

TRLs are used to estimate the maturity of technologies during the development phase from idea to commercialization. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology and ready to be commercialized.

Originally developed at NASA, however the European Commission uses TRLs in multiple EU-funded research and innovations programs, for example Horizon Europe. It is perceived as an effective way to indicate the development stage of a technology of product. TRLs are regularly used as entry point for certain innovation programs. For example, the EIC accelerator demands a TRL 6 or higher, this indicates that European Commission is looking for more mature innovation projects in which the goal is to develop a prototype of a product that can be introduced to the market within a few years’ time.  

The TRLs as adopted by the European Commissions are as follows. The TRL-levels can be placed in the following stages of development:

Feasibility testing

• TRL 1 – Basic principles observed: basic fundamental research. The basic principles of the technology have been observed. No experimental evidence is available yet. Research begins to translate to applied research and development.
• TRL 2 – Technology concept formulated: Since the basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented.
• TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept: the first laboratory tests or analytical studies have been completed, the result is a proof-of-concept.

Technical development

• TRL 4 – Technology validated in lab: The proof-of-concept is validated in the laboratory environment, often using ‘’low-fidelity’’ prototypes on a small scale: basic components are integrated to evaluate how they work together.
• TRL 5 – Technology validated in relevant environment: The technology has been tested and validated in a relevant environment. Fidelity of technology increases significantly, functional and high-fidelity prototypes are the result.
• TRL 6 – Technology demonstrated in relevant environment: The operation of the technology is demonstrated in an industry-relevant environment, for example in a simulated operational environment. The performance of the prototype has not yet been optimised for the operational environment. The result is a prototype tested in relevant environment that is near the desired features in terms of, among others, performance. 

Demonstration of technology

• TRL 7 – System prototype demonstration in operational environment: The technology is integrated into the final operational environment. The prototype is (near) an actual operational system.
• TRL 8 – System complete and qualified: Technology is proven in its final form and under the expected conditions. True development is done.

Commercialisation

• TRL 9 – Actual system proven in operational environment: The technology is technically and commercially ready.

More information

In which TRL-level is your project idea? As mentioned the different TRL-levels correspond to different funding possibilities. For more information on which funding possibility suits your TRL-level, you are welcome to contact Roy Hoven, manager Subsidiefocus, by calling +31 (0)73-6465475 or send Roy an email. He will help you understand your options and explain the rules.