TRL - Technology Readiness Level

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are indicators of the maturity level of particular technologies. This measurement system provides a common understanding of technology status and addresses the entire innovation chain. There are nine technology readiness levels; TRL 1 being the lowest and TRL 9 the highest. 

The use of TRLs in the Horizon 2020 Work Programmes and calls for proposals is indicated for each topic in the topic description.

Please refer to Annex G of the General Annexes to the Work Programme 2016/17 (pdf 787 kB)  for a full description of TRLs

TRL-scale definitions

TRL 9 – Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of KETs; or in space)

TRL 8 – system complete and qualified

TRL 7 – system prototype demonstration in operational environment

TRL 6 – technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrial environment in the case of KETs)

TRL 5 – technology validated in relevant environment (industrial environment in the case of KETs)

TRL 4 – technology validated in lab

TRL 3 – experimental proof of concept

TRL 2 – technology concept formulated

TRL 1 – basic principles observed