The TRL (acronym for Technology Readiness Level) is a method for understanding the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a program.
It enables consistent and uniform discussions across different types of technologies, allowing precise development follow up: the TRL spans from level 1 up to level 9, which is the most mature stage.
The European Commission advised EU-funded research and innovation projects to adopt it in 2010 and thus, in 2014 in the EU Horizon 2020 program extended to the Horizon Europe.
Background: a little history
The concept was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for space exploration technologies.
When a technology is at TRL 1, scientific research is beginning and those results are being translated into future research and development. TRL 2 occurs once the basic principles have been studied and practical applications can be applied to those initial findings. TRL 2 technology is very speculative, as there is little to no experimental proof of concept for the technology.
When active research and design begin, a technology is elevated to TRL 3. Generally both analytical and laboratory studies are required at this level to see if a technology is viable and ready to proceed further through the development process. Often during TRL 3, a proof-of-concept model is constructed.
Once the proof-of-concept technology is ready, the technology advances to TRL 4. During TRL 4, multiple component pieces are tested with one another. TRL 5 is a continuation of TRL 4, however, a technology that is at 5 is identified as a breadboard technology and must undergo more rigorous testing than technology that is only at TRL 4. Simulations should be run in environments that are as close to realistic as possible. Once the testing of TRL 5 is complete, a technology may advance to TRL 6. A TRL 6 technology has a fully functional prototype or representational model.
TRL 7 technology requires that the working model or prototype be demonstrated in a space environment. TRL 8 technology has been tested and “flight qualified” and it’s ready for implementation into an already existing technology or technology system. Once a technology has been “flight proven” during a successful mission, it can be called TRL 9.
Since then, many organizations have implemented TRLs for their own purposes, such as the European Union (EU), further normalizing the NASA readiness-level definitions and allowing easier translation to multiple industry sectors and not limited to just space exploration.
The 9 Levels explained
The nine different levels can be categorized into three main groups:
Research: from Level 1 to Level 3
Development: from Level 4 to Level 6
Deployment: from Level 7 to Level 9
The Levels and Developmental Stage
Level 1: Basic Principles Observed
Reports of scientific observations, paper-based studies of a technology’s basic properties
Level 2: Technology Concept Formulated
Analytics studies, applications are speculative
Level 3: Experimental Proof of Concept
Studies and laboratory measurements to validate the analytical predictions
Level 4: Technology Validated in a Lab
Analysis of the technology parameter operating range
Level 5: Technology Validated in Relevant Environment
Validation of a semi-integrated system or model of technological and supporting elements in a simulated environment
Level 6: Technology Demonstrated in Relevant Environment
Prototype system or model being produced and demonstrated in a simulated environment
Level 7: System Model or Prototype Demonstration in Operational Environment
Prototype mode or system verified in an operational environment
Level 8: System Complete and Qualified
The knowledge from level 7 is used to manufacture an actual system or model. In most cases, this TRL represents the end of development
Level 9: Actual System Proven in Operational Environment
The actual system or model is successfully deployed for multiple missions by end-users
Many products go through the various stages of the TRL scale during their life cycle. Interactions between the various levels, especially during development but not limited to it, might be necessary.
Overall, the TRL method effectively indicates a product’s development stage, determining its readiness for market presentation and launch to customers.
The “Valley of Death”: what is it?
In order to enable technology’s progression from research to development and deployment stages, addressing the TRL scale becomes necessary.
The term ‘Valley of Death’ represents the TRL span from 4 through to 7, where neither academia nor the private sector prioritize investment. Consequently, many technologies, albeit promising, do not reach the needed maturity for deployment.
To overcome this issue, we advise collaboration. Particularly important to consult experienced companies in the sector for assistance in project development.
EuGrantMe boasts numerous successful years. Moreover, it aids projects in securing funding for innovative ideas through European Grants, selecting applicants for EIC Accelerator funding via Horizon Europe.
Is the TRL scale important for Horizon Europe?
The short answer is yes.
Horizon Europe employs the TRL scale to rank projects based on applicability. Higher TRL Levels indicate practical solutions, while lower levels suggest basic research.
The TRL, as a unified scale, enables applicants and reviewers to align with the expectations of the European Commission. Additionally, it facilitates a common understanding of project readiness.
The “entry point”: It refers to the maturity Level given at the beginning stage of the project serving a lower boundary. It helps meet the expectations of the European Commission in a specific call.
Companies need to consider their project stage while writing the proposal: meeting entry point requirements is crucial if the call specifies one. When not stated, TRL can be advantageous.
Use it to describe the project, plan milestones, and establish evaluation measurements for the project itself. Furthermore, keep in mind that reviewers assess these aspects, making preparedness essential for the company.
Understanding each Level and accurately determining the project’s current stage are crucial, as the TRL scale is self-declared. This evaluation can be tricky because the definition can be general sometimes and transitions between Levels are often elusive. Comparison between disciplines is also impossible to carry out.
However, all applicants must undergo this crucial process. To prevent issues, seek consultancy and craft a unique, well-structured proposal.
TRL assessment and declaration
The assessment process starts by meticulously reviewing the 9 Levels’ titles and definitions to align with Horizon Europe’s TRL scale, as specifically defined in the General Annex of the Grant Agreement.
In conclusion, the TRL scale it’s vital in the context of Horizon Europe, but it is far more important to use it correctly. To do so, one must fully understand the varying stages in order to address the specific Level to reference in the proposal.
A solid construct that meets the requirements has of course more chance to satisfy the European Commission’s interviews and thus allow the company to access the required fundings.
At EuGrantMe, we are passionate about fostering innovation and empowering ambitious minds to flourish. Our mission revolves around providing top-notch grant writing services for the EIC Accelerator and Horizon grants in Europe, enabling our customers to unlock the full potential of their groundbreaking ideas.
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