Technology Readiness Levels – The Path from Concept to Commercialization
Have you ever wondered how to objectively assess whether your innovative idea is ready to conquer the market? In the world of technology and startups, we do not rely solely on intuition, but on a specific evaluation system. Technology Readiness Levels, widely known as the TRL scale, form the foundation of modern innovation management. This system allows for a precise determination of the maturity of a given technology – from basic theoretical research to full commercialization.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the structure of this scale. Additionally, we will explain why it is crucial for your business and how it facilitates securing funding.
What exactly are Technology Readiness Levels?
The TRL scale was originally developed by NASA for space missions. Today, however, this system is applied in almost every industry, with a particular focus on the IT and engineering sectors. It is worth noting that Technology Readiness Levels are simply nine steps that every innovation must pass through before reaching mass production.
Thanks to this scale, investors can quickly understand the current status of a given product. Consequently, it is an extremely useful tool when planning further development work within a company.
Why is the TRL scale important for your startup?
Applying TRL levels brings real benefits to the day-to-day management of research projects. Above all, it allows for an accurate assessment of technological risk at every stage of work. Furthermore, it should be remembered that this scale is a standard in many grant and acceleration programs.
Many funding organizations, such as the European Union, require a strict definition of the TRL level in funding applications. Typically, basic research covers stages 1 to 4. In contrast, higher amounts for prototype construction apply to technologies that have reached at least TRL level 6.
9 Technology Readiness Levels in practice
Below, we describe each part of the process in detail, so you can easily identify the stage of your project.
Conceptual Stage (TRL 1-3)
- TRL 1: Observation of basic principles. Here, you conduct theoretical research and analyze initial reports.
- TRL 2: Formulation of a specific technological idea. At this very moment, you begin looking for practical applications for your technology.
- TRL 3: Verification of concept principles. You perform laboratory experiments that confirm your initial assumptions.
Prototyping Degree (TRL 4-6)
- TRL 4: Component validation in a laboratory. You build the first model to test the technology’s capabilities in controlled conditions.
- TRL 5: Testing in a simulated environment. You integrate the system and verify its performance in operational simulations.
- TRL 6: Model demonstration in realistic conditions. This is a breakthrough period where you show a functional prototype to a wider audience.
Implementation and Sales Period (TRL 7-9)
- TRL 7: Prototype testing in operational conditions. You check the system in its target environment, for example, within a specific client infrastructure.
- TRL 8: System completion and qualification. The product passes final validations and is ready for implementation.
- TRL 9: Full technology commercialization. The system functions flawlessly in a real-world environment and enters regular sales.
Summary
Understanding the TRL scale is a huge asset for every marketing specialist. This knowledge allows for better communication with the technical department and facilitates the creation of professional offers for investors. Nevertheless, it must be remembered that each subsequent level requires a different strategy and appropriate financial outlays.