Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
Assess technology maturity from basic research to market deployment and optimize your commercialization strategy at each stage
From Lab to Market: The Nine Levels of Technology Readiness
Technology Readiness Levels provide a systematic metric to assess the maturity of technologies and guide decision-making for research, development, and commercialization.
Basic Principles
Basic scientific principles observed and reported
Risk Level
Very High
Time to Market
10+ years
Technology Concept
Technology concept and/or application formulated
Risk Level
Very High
Time to Market
8-10 years
Proof of Concept
Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept
Risk Level
High
Time to Market
6-8 years
Laboratory Validation
Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
Risk Level
High
Time to Market
5-7 years
Relevant Environment
Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
Risk Level
Medium
Time to Market
4-6 years
System Prototype
System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in relevant environment
Risk Level
Medium
Time to Market
3-5 years
Operational Environment
System prototype demonstration in operational environment
Risk Level
Low
Time to Market
2-3 years
System Complete
Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration
Risk Level
Low
Time to Market
1-2 years
Proven System
Actual system proven through successful mission operations
Risk Level
Very Low
Time to Market
Market Ready
Research Phase
Scientific research and concept development
Levels:
TRL 1, TRL 2, TRL 3
Typical Funding:
Government grants, R&D budgets
Development Phase
Prototype development and testing
Levels:
TRL 4, TRL 5, TRL 6
Typical Funding:
Venture capital, strategic partnerships
Deployment Phase
System deployment and commercialization
Levels:
TRL 7, TRL 8, TRL 9
Typical Funding:
Series funding, revenue generation
Commercialization Strategy by TRL
Each TRL stage requires different commercialization approaches, funding sources, and strategic considerations
TRL 1-3
- Identify potential applications
- Assess market size and opportunity
- Build IP portfolio
- Seek research funding
TRL 4-6
- Develop business case
- Engage potential customers
- Form strategic partnerships
- Secure development funding
TRL 7-9
- Scale manufacturing
- Establish distribution channels
- Launch marketing campaigns
- Generate revenue
Crossing the "Valley of Death"
The transition from TRL 4-6 is often called the "Valley of Death" where many technologies fail due to insufficient funding, technical challenges, or market misalignment. This critical phase requires:
- •Strong business case development
- •Strategic partnerships
- •Bridge funding strategies
- •Customer validation
- •Risk mitigation plans
- •Clear commercialization pathway
How to Assess Your Technology's TRL
Accurate TRL assessment is crucial for planning, funding, and commercialization decisions
Document Evidence
Gather all technical documentation, test results, and demonstrations
Review Criteria
Compare your technology against specific TRL definitions and requirements
External Validation
Get independent assessment from experts or certification bodies
Plan Advancement
Develop roadmap to advance to the next TRL with clear milestones
Accelerate TRL Advancement with Commercify AI
Our AI-powered platform helps you navigate each TRL stage efficiently, reducing time to market and increasing commercialization success
TRL Assessment
AI-powered evaluation of your current technology readiness level
Gap Analysis
Identify what's needed to advance to the next TRL
Risk Mitigation
Proactive identification and management of technical risks
Commercialization Path
Optimal strategies for each TRL stage to reach market faster
Benefits of Using TRL Framework
Objective Assessment
Standardized metric for technology maturity across industries
Funding Alignment
Match funding sources to appropriate technology maturity levels
Risk Management
Identify and mitigate technical and commercial risks early
Ready to Advance Your Technology to Market?
Use Commercify's TRL assessment and advancement tools to accelerate your journey from research to revenue.