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Understanding Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): A Guide for Innovators in Food Tech and Pharma

Writer's picture: Shiri YanivShiri Yaniv



Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a widely adopted framework for assessing the maturity of a technology, helping innovators and decision-makers navigate the journey from concept to market-ready product. Originally developed by NASA, TRLs provide a standardized scale to evaluate progress, but their interpretation can vary depending on the industry.

In this blog, I’ll explain what TRLs are, how they’re applied, and why there’s flexibility in some sectors (like food tech) while others (like pharma) adhere to a stricter interpretation. Additionally, we’ll explore how the EIC grants—Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator—align with different TRL stages and support startups along their development journey.


What Are Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)?

The TRL scale consists of nine levels, each representing a distinct stage in a technology's development:

  1. TRL 1 – Basic principles observed.

  2. TRL 2 – Technology concept formulated.

  3. TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept achieved.

  4. TRL 4 – Technology validated in the lab.

  5. TRL 5 – Technology validated in a relevant environment.

  6. TRL 6 – Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment.

  7. TRL 7 – System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment.

  8. TRL 8 – System complete and qualified.

  9. TRL 9 – Actual system proven in operational environment.

Each step provides a clear progression from theoretical research to real-world application, offering a common language for innovators, investors, and stakeholders to discuss progress.


TRLs in Food Tech: Flexibility in Classification

 In industries like food technology, the interpretation of TRLs tends to be more flexible. Technologies often evolve iteratively, and their classification on the TRL scale can depend on context.

 Take the example of a new plant-based protein production process:

  • If the process has been successfully tested in the lab, it might be classified as TRL 4.

  • However, if larger-scale testing has been conducted under controlled conditions, it could be considered TRL 5 or 6.

  • The precise classification might also depend on whether the technology integrates with existing food production systems or if new infrastructure is required.

 This flexibility allows innovators to “play around” with the TRL definition to suit the specific circumstances of their project. For food tech companies, this can be a significant advantage as it enables faster progress toward scaling production or securing funding.


TRLs in Pharma: Rigid and Structured

In the pharmaceutical industry, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are strictly defined and closely tied to the stages of drug development. Each level aligns with specific milestones, ensuring a clear and systematic progression:

  • TRL 5 – Preclinical testing (in vitro and in vivo studies to assess safety and efficacy).

  • TRL 6 – Phase I clinical trials (testing on healthy volunteers to determine safety and dosage).

  • TRL 7 – Phase II clinical trials (small-scale trials to evaluate efficacy and further safety data).

  • TRL 8 – Phase III clinical trials (large-scale studies to confirm efficacy and safety).

  • TRL 9 – Regulatory approval and market introduction.

This structured approach ensures that each phase meets rigorous safety, efficacy, and regulatory requirements, leaving little room for flexibility in TRL interpretation.


EIC Grants: Supporting Technologies at Different TRL Stages

The European Innovation Council (EIC) offers three flagship funding programs—Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator—to support startups and researchers at different stages of the TRL spectrum:

  1. EIC Pathfinder - TRL 1-4

  2. EIC Transition - TRL 4-6

  3. EIC Accelerator - TRL 5-8

By aligning your innovation with the appropriate EIC program and its corresponding TRL, you can strategically secure the right support to move forward.


Why TRLs Matter

Understanding TRLs is critical for startups, researchers, and innovators because they:

  • Provide a roadmap for technology development.

  • Help determine the current stage of maturity and what’s needed to progress.

  • Serve as a key metric for securing funding—many grant programs, like the EIC, IIA, or Horizon Europe, specify the TRL required for submission.


Key Takeaways: Flexibility vs. Rigor

  • In food tech, TRLs can be more flexible. A single technology might fall into a range of TRLs depending on testing scale, context, and readiness for integration into production. This flexibility can help startups adapt their proposals and move forward faster.

  • In pharma, TRLs are strictly defined, and progress relies on meeting specific regulatory and clinical milestones to ensure safety and efficacy.

  • Programs like the EIC Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator align with specific TRL stages, allowing innovators to access funding tailored to their current development point.


Final Thoughts

Navigating TRLs and understanding where your technology stands can be the key to securing the right grants and advancing your innovation. Whether you’re developing a breakthrough process in food tech or a new medical device in pharma, aligning your TRL with the appropriate funding program is essential.

If you’re unsure about how to classify your technology or position it for grants like EIC, I’d be happy to help you refine your approach and craft a winning proposal. Let’s take your innovation to the next stage! 🚀

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