TRL

Technology Readiness Level. According to the EC 9 levels are distinguished: 1: basic principles observed; 2: technology concept formulated; 3: experimental proof of concept; 4: technology validated in lab; 5: technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies); 6: technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies); 7: system prototype demonstration in operational environment; 8: system complete and qualified; 9: actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space).