Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
TRL is a commonly used tool by the research community, as well as within the European research and innovation programmes, to assess the market readiness of new and emerging technologies. For export control purposes, research output stemming from TRL 1 and 2 research are generally considered basic scientific research. The eligibility of research output stemming from TRL 3 and 4 are to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Research output stemming from research above TRL 4 is not considered basic scientific research.
Technology readines levels 1-9
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 1 | Basic principles observed |
Basic scientific research begins; basic principles are identified. Properties of a potential technology are observed in the physical world. These basic properties are being reported in the literature. Example: Discovery of a new material with unique electrical properties in a lab. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 2 | Technology concept formulated |
Conceptual ideas are formed; no experimental proof yet. TRL 2 technology is still very speculative. However, identification of practical applications of basic scientific principles may being on this level. Emphasis is on understanding the science better and corroborating the basic scientific observations made during TRL 1 work. Analysis of the feasibility of speculative applications is being conducted and reported in scientific studies. Example: Hypothesizing that the new material could be used in flexible solar panels. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 3 | Experimental proof of concept |
Initial experiments validate the concept. Generally, both analytical and laboratory studies are required at this level to see if a technology is ready to go to the development phases. Active research and development begins and proof-of-concept model is constructed. The applications are being moved beyond the paper stage to experimental work. Feasibility of separate technology components are being validated through analytical and laboratory studies. There is not yet an attempt to integrate components into a complete system. Reaching to this point, one can conclude that the new technology is feasible from a scientific point of view. Example: Lab tests show the material can convert light into electricity. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 4 | Technology validated in lab |
Components are integrated and tested in lab conditions. Laboratory prototype is available. Basic technological components are integrated "ad-hoc" to establish that they will work together in a laboratory environment. The "ad-hoc" system would likely be a mix of on hand equipment and a few special purpose components that may require special handling, calibration, or alignment in order to function. Example: A small solar cell is built using the material and tested under controlled lighting. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 5 | Technology validated in relevant environment |
Technology tested in a simulated real-world environment. TRL 5 is a continuation of TRL 4, but the testing environment becomes as close as possible to a realistic one, although still the environment is under a control mode. The integrated basic technological components are performing for the intended applications in a simulated environment. Configurations are being developed but can undergo fundamental changes. The technology and environment at TRL 5 is more similar to the final application than TRL 4. Reaching to this point, one can conclude that the new technology is feasible from a technological point of view. Example: Solar cell tested under varying light and temperature conditions mimicking outdoor use. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 6 | Technology demonstrated in relevant environment |
Prototype demonstrated in a relevant but not fully operational setting. A model or prototype representing a near desired configuration is being developed at a pilot scale, generally smaller than full scale. Such model or prototype is demonstrated in a real environment, so to confirm the engineering is feasible. Example: Solar panel prototype installed on a test roof for performance monitoring. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 7 | System prototype demonstration in operational environment |
Near-final system tested in actual operational conditions. In TRL 7, working model or the prototype developed is demonstrated in an operational environment, typically under industrial conditions and timings (i.e. field tests). At this stage, the final design is very close to completion. Reaching to this point, one can conclude that the new technology is reliable from the technological point of view. Example: Solar panels installed on a building and connected to the grid for real-time energy generation. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 8 | System complete and qualified |
Final system is completed and meets all specifications. Technology is being proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. TRL 8 commonly represents the end of technology development. At this stage, operations are well understood, operational procedures are being developed, and final adjustments are being made. In TRL 8, technology is ready for implementation into an already existing technology or technology system. Example: Solar panel system passes all regulatory and safety tests and is ready for market. |
| TRL Level | Description | Explanation with Example |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 9 | Actual system proven in operational environment |
Technology is in use and proven in real-world operations. Actual application of the technology in its final form is being conducted under a full range of operational conditions. Sometimes referred to as "system operations", this stage is where technology is further refined and adopted. Example: Solar panels are proven in residential and industrial installations. |
| Description | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| Commercially available | Technology development is complete | Technology is openly available in the marketplace and/or has been sold directly to a buyer in the public or private sector, in its current state or service offering for non-testing or development purposes. The technology is commercial and competitive but may need further integration efforts for wide spread adoption. |
Key terms
Basic scientific research: research aimed at expanding the base of theoretical scientific knowledge and predictions that have universal applicability
Research and development: systemic work designed to produce new products, techniques or processes or improve existing products, techniques or processes
Proof of concept: analytical and experimental demonstration of hardware/software concepts.
Model: a reduced scale, functional form of a system, near or at operational specification
Prototype: the first early representation of the system which offers the expected functionality and performance expected of the final implementation
Laboratory environment: a fully controlled test environment where a limited number of functions and variables are tested. Tests in a laboratory environment are solely for the purpose of demonstrating the underlying principles of technical performance (functions), without respect to the impact of environment
Simulated environment: a relevant working environment with controlled realistic conditions, generally outside of the lab. If the technology will be used in various environments (e.g., the arctic conditions and the mediterranean conditions), the technology must be developed and tested in a simulated environment for all conditions.
Operational environment: "real-world" environment with conditions associated with typical use of the product and or process. If the technology will be used in various environments (e.g., the arctic conditions and the mediterranean conditions), the technology must be developed and tested in each operational environment.
Determination of TRL should be properly documented by research team in materials produced before and during the research activity for later reference, if any. Proper documentation means that TRLs are designated and short explanations are given on the relevant factors and reasoning on which such designations were based.
Determination of TRL is relevant to application of laws governing export control of dual-use items. In some circumstances, TRL can also be relevant for application of sanction regulations.
Useful tools for documentation and further guidance for assessment of TRL can be viewed at (instructions related to Horizon Europe) and (instructions issued by the Government of Canada but comparable to the European instructions).
The above Canadian tool groups nine TRLs into four broader technology development stages:
- fundamental research
- research and development
- pilot and demonstration
- early adoption
The Canadian tool provides a description of each TRL along with a checklist to determine if the technology is at that specific TRL.