From lab to market

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Technology readiness levels, from idea to product.

What it is

Technology readiness levels, TRL, describe how mature a technology is on a scale from 1 to 9. Level 1 is a basic scientific principle; level 9 is a proven system in everyday operation.

Public programmes use TRL to decide which instrument fits: research grants for low levels, innovation actions and pilot lines for the middle, and procurement or investment for the top.

How it works

At levels 1 to 3 researchers observe the principle and show it works in the laboratory. At levels 4 to 6 components are combined into a prototype and tested in a relevant environment. At levels 7 to 9 a full system is demonstrated, qualified and finally sold and operated.

Quantum technologies are spread over this whole scale: quantum clocks are products, quantum key distribution is in pilot networks, and large fault-tolerant computers are still research.

Try it: move along the readiness scale

Technology readiness level

Why it matters

Moving technology across the middle of the scale is often called the valley of death, because it needs engineering, testing infrastructure and money rather than new science.

Seeing the level of a technology helps investors, policy makers and companies to set realistic expectations.

Europe’s position

Europe is investing in pilot lines, testing and experimentation facilities and procurement of quantum computers, and the Quantum Europe Strategy aims to move more results from the laboratory to industry.

On this site

Recent EU-funded projects in enabling technologies and supply chain

Pages of this portal

Fabrication and pilot lines in the infrastructure catalogue

Glossary

TRL: Technology readiness level, from 1 (principle) to 9 (proven system).
Pilot line: A facility for making small series of new devices.
Valley of death: The funding gap between a laboratory result and a product.