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: