From TRL 1 to 9: An Entrepreneur's Roadmap to Technology Maturity and Funding Success

Introduction

As an entrepreneur, it's important to understand the different stages of technology development and how they can impact your startup's growth, funding, and success. One key framework for assessing technology maturity is the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, which was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s and later adopted by the European Union and other organizations worldwide. The TRL scale ranges from 1 to 9, with each level representing a different stage of technological maturity. In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of each TRL level, along with real-world examples of companies at various stages of the scale. We'll also compare the US and EU perspectives on TRL and discuss its relevance for entrepreneurs seeking funding and investment.

Please note that the examples provided are based on the information available as of September 2021, and the TRL levels of these startups may have evolved since then, as they continue to progress and advance their technologies.

TRL 1: Basic Research

At TRL 1, the technology is in its earliest stages, with only basic principles and scientific research available. Startups at this stage typically focus on exploring potential applications for their technology and conducting preliminary tests.

Examples:

1. Graphenea - A company researching the potential applications of graphene, a one-atom-thick layer of carbon with unique properties.

2. Emrod - A startup working on wireless electricity transmission through electromagnetic waves.

TRL 2: Applied Research

At TRL 2, the technology concept is more defined, and applied research is conducted to investigate its feasibility. Startups at this stage work on refining their ideas and determining whether the technology can be developed further.

Examples:

1. DeepBranch - A biotech startup working on converting carbon dioxide into proteins for animal feed using microbial gas fermentation.

2. Solexel - A company developing high-efficiency silicon solar cells using thin-film technology.

TRL 3: Proof of Concept

TRL 3 marks the stage where a startup has a working proof of concept for their technology. This involves demonstrating its functionality in a laboratory setting or through simulations.

Examples:

1. CarbonCure - A startup that injects carbon dioxide into concrete to reduce its carbon footprint.

2. Zap&Go - A company developing ultra-fast charging energy storage devices based on carbon-ion technology.

TRL 4: Technology Validation

At TRL 4, the technology has been validated in a lab setting, and startups are now focused on refining it further and preparing for real-world testing.

Examples:

1. Bioelektra Group - A company working on a waste treatment technology that can convert mixed waste into reusable materials.

2. HelixNano - A biotech startup developing mRNA-based cancer vaccines using gene editing technology.

TRL 5: Technology Demonstration

TRL 5 involves demonstrating the technology in a relevant environment, such as a pilot project or a small-scale test site. Startups at this stage work on optimizing their technology and gathering data to support future development.

Examples:

1. Echogen Power Systems - A company developing a waste heat recovery system that converts industrial waste heat into electricity.

2. Pavegen - A startup that has developed energy-harvesting floor tiles that convert footsteps into electricity.

TRL 6: Prototype System

At TRL 6, a startup has developed a prototype system that is fully functional and ready for testing in a relevant environment. This stage often involves scaling up the technology and refining its design.

Examples:

1. Aquaporin - A company that has developed a biomimetic membrane technology for water purification.

2. Ecovative Design - A startup producing sustainable materials, such as packaging and insulation, from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms.

TRL 7: System Demonstration

TRL 7 represents the stage where the technology has been successfully demonstrated in an operational environment. Startups at this level are focused on refining their systems and preparing for large-scale implementation.

Examples:

1. Solidia Technologies - A company that has developed a sustainable cement and concrete production process that reduces CO2 emissions.

2. CarbonCure - A startup that has successfully deployed its CO2 injection technology in multiple real-world concrete production facilities.

TRL 8: System Integration

At TRL 8, the technology has been integrated into a complete system, and startups are focused on optimizing performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

Examples:

1. Lilium - A company that has built a fully-functioning prototype of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

2. Xeros Technology Group - A startup that has integrated its water-saving laundry technology into commercial washing machines.

TRL 9: Fully Deployed Technology

TRL 9 marks the stage where the technology is fully mature and has been deployed in its intended operational environment. Startups at this level have a proven product that has been successfully commercialized.

Examples:

1. Tesla - A well-known electric vehicle manufacturer that has successfully deployed its technology on a large scale.

2. Beyond Meat - A company that has commercialized its plant-based meat alternatives in supermarkets and restaurants worldwide.

US vs EU Perspectives on TRL

While both the US and EU recognize the importance of TRL in assessing technology maturity, there are some differences in how the two regions approach its implementation. In the US, TRL is widely used by government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense to evaluate the readiness of technologies for funding and adoption. In the EU, TRL is more commonly applied in the context of research and innovation funding programs, such as Horizon Europe.

Relevance for Entrepreneurs

Understanding TRL and its implications for your startup can be crucial in securing funding and investment. A higher TRL can make your technology more attractive to investors, as it demonstrates a lower risk profile and greater likelihood of commercial success. Additionally, many funding programs, particularly those focused on research and development, require startups to provide their TRL as part of the application process. By being aware of your technology's TRL and actively working to advance it, you can improve your chances of securing the resources needed to grow your startup and achieve success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs looking to assess the maturity of their technology and identify areas for further development. By understanding the different TRL stages and working to advance your technology along the scale, you can increase your chances of securing funding and investment, ultimately leading to greater success in the competitive startup landscape.