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    Technology Readiness Levels TRL

    Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) provided by the European Commission:

    • TRL 0 - Idea. Unproven concept, no testing has been performed.
    • TRL 1 - Basic research. Principles are postulated and observed but no experimental proof available. Basic principles observed.
    • TRL 2 - Technology formulation. Technological concept and application have been formulated.
    • TRL 3 - Applied research. First laboratory test completed. Experimental proof of concept needed for validation.
    • TRL 4 - Small scale prototype built in a laboratory environment ("ugly" prototype). Technology validated in lab.
    • TRL 5 - Large scale prototype. Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies).
    • TRL 6 - Prototype system tested in intended environment close to expected performance. Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies). 
    • TRL 7 - Demonstration system operating in operational environment at pre-commercial scale.  
    • TRL 8 - First of a kind commercial system. Manufacturing issues solved. System complete and qualified. 
    • TRL 9 - Full commercial application, technology available for consumers. Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space) 

     

    Further resources to be considered: