Originally created by NASA, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale was subsequently adopted and adapted by the European Union. It classifies research and development projects across nine distinct levels: TRL 1 represents an early theoretical stage, whereas TRL 9 indicates a fully tested technology ready for real-world application.
Overview of TRL Levels
| TRL 1 | Observation of basic principles (pure theoretical research) |
| TRL 2 | Formulation of technology concept (identifying potential applications) |
| TRL 3 | Experimental proof of concept (Proof of Concept) |
| TRL 4 | Technology validation in laboratory (development and testing under lab conditions) |
| TRL 5 | Validation in relevant environment (testing prototypes under simulated conditions) |
| TRL 6 | Demonstration of technology in relevant environment |
| TRL 7 | Prototype demonstration in operational environment (real-world testing, but still in development) |
| TRL 8 | System completion and qualification (technology ready for production) |
| TRL 9 | System proven in real operation (full commercial deployment) |
How TRL is Used in European Union Grant Programs
The EU uses the TRL scale to determine the appropriate type of funding and support for specific projects. Certain grant calls mandate defined TRL thresholds—for instance, requiring a project to enter at TRL 3 and reach TRL 6 through the grant funding.
When applying for research and development grants, it is essential to determine where your project currently stands on the TRL scale. The framework is widely applied across European and international research programs (such as Horizon Europe, EIC, ESA, NATO, and EDF) to evaluate the exact development stage of an innovation.
Would you like to ensure your project is correctly categorized on the TRL scale? Schedule a non-binding consultation with us.
