What is TRL?

TRL is key when applying for grant funding

If you’re looking into R&D grant funding for your business then TRL is key information to have. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a system of measurement that is used as a way to assess how mature a particular technology is. Technology projects will receive a TRL rating after being assessed against the scope of this measurement system. This can affect everything, from eligibility to the level of funding received, so it’s a key detail to understand.

TRL is all about project maturity

TRL is used to determine the maturity of a technology – and, subsequently, the funding a project that involves this technology can receive. So, it’s important to understand the potential impact it could have for your business. There are three levels of technology readiness: Fundamental Research (TRL1-3), Industrial Research (TRL 4-6) and Experimental Development (TRL 7-9). What’s important to note about these ratings is that, as new technology passes through these stages the risk associated with commercialising that technology is seen to reduce. As a result, the intervention rate offered by the grant funder will reduce too – from 100% at TRL1, for example, to 45% at TRL9.

How do you know which TRL stage your technology is currently at?

Here’s a brief guide to all the various TRL stages:

1. TRL1 – Basic principle observed and reported: Here you will have fundamental concepts and properties but not much else. This is the start of the research process and the point technology can be conceptualised in a basic way in order to be developed further down the line.
2. TRL2 – Technology concept formulated. The basic concepts and practicalities are nailed down so that they can be applied to scientific research.
3. TRL3 – Experimental proof of concept: The feasibility of the technology is established, as well as whether it can be taken further into development. Evidence should be collected via studies and a proof-of-concept model constructed.
4. TRL4 – Technology validated in the lab: The various testing of components can start on the basis of what has been established in the proof of concept stage. Performance predictions can be tested at this stage, as well as the final operating environment.
5. TRL5 – Technology validated in the relevant environment: TRL5 leads on from TRL4 with more intensive testing of the technology in environments that are as realistic as possible.
6. TRL6 – Technology demonstrated in the relevant environment: There will be a prototype that can be tested against full-scale realistic issues.
7. TRL7 – System prototype demonstration: The prototype is tested in the actual environment it is designed to operate in.
8. TRL8 – System complete and qualified: The final test has been successful and the technology is ready to be used.
9. TRL9 – Actual technology is proven: The final product has been used successfully in its environment and is now a TRL9 technology.

If your business is looking to obtain R&D funding then understanding the TRL model of measurement is going to be a vital part of the process of getting your applications right.

SPRK Capital, information sourced from Granted Consultancy – a Ryan Company.

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