What is TRL and How to Determine Your Startup’s TRL?
If you’re running a startup, there’s a good chance you’ve already come across the mysterious acronym TRL. Maybe it popped up during a conversation with investors, in an accelerator application, or while reviewing funding documentation. TRL, or Technology Readiness Level, is simply a scale that indicates how advanced your technology or product is on its journey to market.
But are you sure you know exactly where your project stands on this scale? If not, don’t worry, we’re about to clear up any doubts. And that’s not all! We’ve prepared a simple quiz that will help you assess your technology’s readiness level on your own.
Before we jump into the test, though, let’s go over some theory to make sure it’s clear what TRL really is and why it’s so important to define your level correctly 🙂
Where Did TRL Come From?
TRL was originally developed by NASA — not to make life harder for startup founders, but to simplify the evaluation of new space technologies. Over time, the scale proved to be so universal that other industries started adopting it as well.
Today, you’ll find TRL referenced in R&D funding applications, accelerator programs, and investor requirements, because it provides a fairly precise way to assess the maturity of a technology. Knowing your project’s TRL level can be crucial when applying for funding, collaborating with partners, or planning your next steps.
What’s important: The TRL scale has 9 levels — from idea to a scalable product. It’s also important to note that it’s perfectly normal to be somewhere between two TRL levels.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
TRL 1–2: Initial concept and basic research — you have an idea, but no prototype yet.
TRL 3–4: First prototype and early testing — you’re starting to verify whether your solution works.
TRL 5–6: Testing in operational conditions — your technology is working outside the lab, and tests involve real users.
TRL 7–8: Market readiness — the product has undergone extensive testing, and you have a go-to-market strategy.
TRL 9: Full commercialization — your product is on the market, generating revenue, and ready to scale.
Why Does TRL Matter?
Defining your TRL level isn’t just a formality. It’s a tool that brings real benefits:
- Choosing the right support programs — Whether it’s funding or accelerators, knowing your TRL helps you select the programs that best fit your needs.
- More effective conversations with investors — The TRL scale allows you to clearly show what you’ve already achieved and what you still need, making it easier to communicate the required resources and effort for your project.
- Milestone planning — TRL acts as a roadmap for your development, guiding you from testing to implementation and ultimately scaling.
- Credibility — A well-defined TRL level demonstrates that you take your project seriously and have a solid grasp of its progress.
Ready to Check Your TRL?
We’ve prepared a quick TRL quiz to help you assess where your startup stands in its development journey. The quiz is based on our experience and has been verified by our acceleration team — but remember, the results are just a guideline and a starting point.
To accurately determine your project’s TRL level, take the time to honestly analyze your product’s development stage and overall business progress.
Each answer is scored from 1 (no progress) to 5 (fully implemented). Select the responses that best reflect your current situation. At the end, sum up your points and check your result! 🚀
Question 1: Have you developed a technology concept?
[1 point] We haven’t started working on it yet.
[2 points] We have a general idea, but it needs refinement.
[3 points] We have conducted preliminary research based on the concept.
[4 points] We have detailed documentation and a development roadmap.
[5 points] We have completed full conceptual research.
Question 2: Has the technology been demonstrated at the laboratory level?
[1 point] We haven’t started testing yet.
[2 points] We’ve begun preparations for testing.
[3 points] We have completed initial lab tests.
[4 points] The technology works in the lab but needs improvements.
[5 points] The technology works in the lab, and the results are positive.
Question 3: Do you have a functional prototype?
[1 point] We don’t have a prototype yet.
[2 points] The prototype is in the design phase.
[3 points] We have a prototype, but it needs modifications.
[4 points] The prototype is working and undergoing initial tests.
[5 points] The prototype is functional and tested in various conditions.
Question 4: How are the prototype tests progressing in a laboratory environment?
[1 point] Testing hasn’t started yet.
[2 points] We have started testing but don’t have results yet.
[3 points] Tests show mixed results.
[4 points] Test results are positive, but we need more data.
[5 points] Tests are complete, and the prototype works as expected.
Question 5: Has the technology been tested in real-world conditions?
[1 point] We haven’t conducted real-world tests yet.
[2 points] We are planning to start real-world testing.
[3 points] Tests have been conducted, but on a small scale.
[4 points] The technology is being tested on a larger scale, and results are promising.
[5 points] The technology has successfully passed all real-world tests.
Question 6: Have you received feedback from users who tested the product?
[1 point] We haven’t gathered user feedback yet.
[2 points] We have initial feedback, but it needs further analysis.
[3 points] Feedback is positive, but the product still needs improvements.
[4 points] Most feedback is positive, and we are making adjustments.
[5 points] Feedback is very positive, users are satisfied.
Question 7: Do you have a clearly defined go-to-market strategy?
[1 point] No, we are still working on the strategy.
[2 points] We have a general concept of the strategy.
[3 points] The strategy is developed but needs refinement.
[4 points] The strategy is ready, and we are starting implementation.
[5 points] The strategy is fully implemented and delivering results.
Question 8: Do you have funding for further actions (commercialization, scaling)?
[1 point] We don’t have funding yet.
[2 points] We are in the process of securing funding.
[3 points] We have initial funding but need additional resources.
[4 points] We have secured funding for commercialization.
[5 points] We have full funding and are ready to scale.
Results interpretation:
- 8–16 points: TRL 1–2
- 17–24 points: TRL 3–4
- 25–30 points: TRL 5–6
- 31–35 points: TRL 7–8
- 36–40 points: TRL 9
How to Use Your Results?
TRL is not just an evaluation tool, but also a way to plan the development of your technology. Treat TRL as a map and a tool to identify the needs and support that can assist your growth. And remember, this is not about comparing yourself to others or participating in a race, it’s about your individual progress. Regularly check where you stand and do everything you can to reach the next level.
And if you have any doubts. Remember, you can always rely on support from mentors or business partners.
Also, find out what kind of support you can receive from us!
We are currently running the Startup Booster by Huge Thing acceleration program, where you can find a path tailored to every stage of development! Visit our website and check the recruitment status 🚀
