What is a TRL or Technology Readiness Level?
A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a scale used to determine how far a technology has progressed, from the earliest stages of research to its application in real-world conditions.
Explanation
Not every innovation is ready to reach the market immediately. Before that happens, it must be shown to work, validated in different environments and further developed until it becomes a solution that can benefit society.
To describe this process, the TRL scale is used. It consists of nine levels. The first stages (TRL 1-3) correspond to basic research and proof of concept. The intermediate levels (TRL 4-6) focus on technology validation and prototype development. Finally, the highest levels (TRL 7-9) involve demonstration in operational environments and preparation for deployment and commercialisation.
Why is it relevant to society?
TRLs help explain that transforming a scientific discovery into a practical innovation is a gradual process that requires time, development, resources and collaboration between multiple stakeholders.
They also provide a common language that enables researchers, companies, investors and public institutions to assess the maturity of a technology and work together to bring it to market, creating economic and societal impact.
Practical example
A research team at the University of Barcelona develops a new technology for the early detection of a disease. At first, the technology is at a low TRL, as it has only been validated in the laboratory. As development progresses, it is tested in environments that increasingly resemble real clinical settings until, if successful, it can become a medical device available for healthcare professionals.
What is the role of the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation?
The Bosch i Gimpera Foundation supports research teams in advancing the technological maturity of their innovations. It does so by identifying research results with transfer potential, protecting intellectual property, securing funding, promoting proof-of-concept projects and fostering collaboration with companies and other organisations so that these innovations can reach the market and generate a positive impact on society.
