TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVELS - TRL
The concept of technology readiness levels was originally introduced by NASA in the 1970ties.
The basic concept is widely adopted by funding programmes, who define the innovation journey as a movement from TRL 1 through TRL 9.
Funding programmes often target part of the journey and may require that a certain TRL has been reached before allocating funding.
TRL 1: Basic principles observed
TRL 2: Technology concept formulated
TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept
TRL 4: Technology validation in lab
TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment
TRL 6: Technology pilot demonstrated in relevant environment
TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in operational environment
TRL 8: System complete and qualified
TRL 9: Actual system proven in operational environment