Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

TRL 2 - Technology, product and/or process concept formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.

TRL 3 - Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept.Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and/or laboratory studies. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

TRL 4 - Component and/or validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological, product and/or process components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of "ad hoc" hardware in the laboratory.

TRL 5 - Component and/or validation in simulated environment. The basic technological, product and/or process components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.

TRL 6 - Technology, product and/or process prototype demonstration in simulated environment. Prototypes are tested in a relevant operational environment or laboratory. Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a simulated operational environment.

TRL 7 - Technology, product and/or process prototype in an operational environment. Prototype near or at planned operational system level and requires demonstration of an actual prototype in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.

TRL 8 - Actual technology, product and/or process completed and qualified through test and demonstration. Innovation has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development.

TRL 9 - Actual technology, product and/or process proven through successful deployment in an operational setting. Actual application of the product and/or process innovation in its final form or function.

Commercial Technology, product and/or process development is complete and openly available in the marketplace.