Technology Readiness Level (TRL): The key to securing EU funding for your innovation

Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, but securing EU funding often depends on how well you understand and apply concepts like Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Widely used in EU funding and research project management, TRL helps managers, investors, and grant evaluators assess a technology’s development stage and associated risks. Mastering this concept could significantly boost your chances of securing funding and advancing your project.

At Future Needs, we bring extensive experience with European projects (Horizon, Erasmus+, SESAR, etc.). Our specialized team can help you identify the correct TRL and draft your proposal for European funding. Read on for essential facts and tips about TRLs.

 

What Are Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Why Do They Matter?

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) offer a structured framework for evaluating the maturity of a technology, from basic principles (TRL 1) to market readiness (TRL 9). Originally developed by NASA to assess technologies for space missions, TRLs have been adopted by industries worldwide, including the European Union, to evaluate innovation and guide funding decisions.

Aligning your project’s Technology Readiness Level with specific funding requirements is critical. Demonstrating the feasibility and potential of your technology boosts your chances of success in programmes like Horizon Europe.

 

 

Understanding the TRL Scale

The TRL framework consists of nine levels divided into three stages:

Stage 1: Research and Concept Validation (TRL 1–3)

• TRL 1: Basic principles observed.
• TRL 2: Technology concept formulated.
• TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept.

Stage 2: System Design and Testing (TRL 4–6)

• TRL 4: Technology validated in a lab.
• TRL 5: Technology validated in a relevant environment.
• TRL 6: Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment.

Stage 3: Deployment and Commercialization (TRL 7–9)

• TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
• TRL 8: System complete and qualified.
• TRL 9: Actual system proven in an operational environment.

Each level signifies a critical milestone in the journey from idea to market. For instance, transitioning from TRL 5 to TRL 6 involves moving from lab experiments to engineering-scale applications—a significant leap in the development process.

 

Overcoming Challenges: The “Valley of Death”

A major challenge in technology development is navigating the funding gap known as the “Valley of Death,” which occurs between early research and later-stage commercialization. Many promising innovations stall at this stage due to insufficient resources for scaling and testing. TRLs help identify and plan for this critical transition, improving the chances of overcoming it.

 

How TRLs Shape EU Funding Opportunities

In programmes like Horizon Europe, Technology Readiness Levels are often used to determine eligibility and funding allocation. TRLs provide a:

• Universal Framework: Standardized scale for assessing maturity.
• Eligibility Criterion: Ensures alignment with funding calls.
• Collaboration Tool: Encourages partnerships and knowledge sharing.
• Risk Mitigation: Anticipates and manages potential risks.
• Strategic Planning Aid: Sets clear, achievable goals.

 

Expert Tips for TRL Assessment

Accurate TRL assessment is essential for securing funding. Follow these tips:

1. Integrate Components Early: Ensure all technological elements are tested together.
2. Combine with a Business Plan: Address market potential, customer needs, and cost analysis.
3. Provide Evidence: Use data from trials, case studies, or research to back your claims.
4. Stay Flexible: Adapt to the limitations of the TRL scale.

 

Applying TRLs in Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe categorizes projects by TRL to match them with appropriate funding and determine project eligibility. The European Innovation Council (EIC) has the following funding schemes based on technology maturity:

• Pathfinder: TRL 1–4 (early-stage research).
• Transition: TRL 3–6 (validation and feasibility).
• Accelerator: TRL 5–8 (market readiness).

For example, a project at TRL 6 might qualify for the Accelerator programme, focusing on engineering-scale development and deployment.

 

Your Roadmap to TRL Success

Here’s how to align your project with the Technology Readiness Level framework:

1. Understand the TRL Concept: Learn the definitions and their relevance.
2. Define the Problem: Establish a clear project scope.
3. Describe Your Technology: Highlight your innovation and current TRL.
4. Identify the Gap: Show how your project will advance to the desired TRL.
5. Set Quality Goals: Create measurable objectives.
6. Provide Evidence: Support claims with robust data.
7. Adopt Flexibility: Address TRL limitations with iterative strategies.

 

Stay Ahead with TRLs

Technology evolves rapidly, and so should your approach to TRLs. Stay informed by attending events, networking, and leveraging tools like the BRIDGE2HE self-assessment guide to evaluate your TRL. Download the guide here.

 

Why Choose Future Needs?

At Future Needs, we specialize in aligning your innovation with funding opportunities. Our team of experts can:

• Simplify Technology Readiness Level evaluation.
• Define your project scope and problem statement.
• Guide you in advancing to the required TRL.

Ready to maximize your funding potential? Contact Anna Palaiologk on LinkedIn or email at anna@futureneeds.eu for personalized support.

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