The document discusses methods for measuring the maturity of a technology concept or venture, including the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale and Bell Mason Diagnostic. The TRL scale, created by NASA, consists of 9 levels from basic research (level 1) to full deployment in the marketplace (level 9). It is used to assess if a concept is ready for Horizon 2020 funding, which requires a minimum of level 5 or 6. The Bell Mason Diagnostic also evaluates maturity in a similar way but with fewer levels. The document provides details on each level of the TRL scale and advises checking maturity levels to determine if a concept is ready for funding applications.

1. Venture Maturity
The Stages of Development
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2. TRL Scale –
Technology Readiness Level
Knowing how far advanced a concept is (or isn’t) plays a vital role in assessing
whether it is ready to be considered for Horizon 2020 funding. One way of
measuring where on the venture maturity scale a concept is, is to utilise the TRL
scale. The TRL was originally created by NASA in the nineteen seventies in order
to assess the maturity of a technology prior to integrating it into a system. This
TRL is now recognised and utilised throughout the technological advancement
field.
It is a metric measure for describing how far into development a new piece
of technology is. The acronym stands for Technology Readiness Level. The
scale currently consists of 9 levels (previously 7 levels). Each level
characterises the progress in the development of a technology, from the
idea (level 1) to the full deployment of the product in the marketplace (level
9).
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3. TRL Scale –
Technology Readiness Level
This diagram shows how
the TRL is split into three
different groups. For
Horizon 2020 funding the
concept needs to be at a
minimum group 2
(simulated world), so at
least a score of 5 or 6 is
required.
Next we will break
these levels down into
more detail.
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4. TRL Scale –
Technology Readiness Level
Level 1 - Basic Research: the basic principles are observed and reported.
This is the lowest level of technology readiness. The idea has been thought of
and research begins to be translated into applied research and development.
Examples could include basic fundamental investigations and paper based
research/studies.
Level 2 – Applied Research: technology concept and/or application formulated
Once level one has been completed and the basic principles have been
observed, practical exercises such as experimentation and analytic studies can
be put in place.
Level 3 – Critical function, proof of concept established
Active research and development commences. This active research and
experimentation aim to validate predictions of separate components of the
technology based on previous analysis i.e. components that are not yet
integrated or representative.
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5. TRL Scale –
Technology Readiness Level
Level 4 – Laboratory testing of prototype component or process
Development, designing and testing of the concept components are performed.
Here, the basic fundamental components are integrated to ensure that they
will work together. This is a relatively “low fidelity” prototype in comparison
with the planned end system.
Level 5 – Laboratory testing of integrated system
The basic technological concepts are merged together with realistic supporting
elements to be tested in a simulated environment. This is a “high fidelity”
prototype compared to the eventual system.
Level 6 – Prototype system verified
The prototype, which is much further advanced and detailed than that of level 5,
is tested in a suitable and relevant environment. The system or process
demonstration is carried out in an operational environment.
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6. TRL Scale –
Technology Readiness Level
Level 7 – Integrated pilot system demonstrated
The prototype is either very near to, or actually at, planned operational level.
The end design is almost, if not already, complete. The objective of this level is
to remove any engineering and manufacturing risks.
Level 8 – System incorporated in commercial design
The concept has been proven to work as expected under the planned specific
conditions. Usually, this level represents the end of research and development.
Level 9 – System ready for full scale deployment
Here, the concept is finalised and is ready for commercial deployment and
market introduction.
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7. Bell Mason Diagnostic
Another measure of
venture maturity that can
be utilised is the Bell
Mason Diagnostic. As the
diagram opposite shows
this works in similar way to
the TRL but is broken down
into fewer sections.
Following this process, in
order to apply for Horizon
2020 funding you would
need to self asses at “Stage
3 Product Development”.
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8. Is it the right time?
Hopefully these slides will have given you a good understanding as to
measuring where on the scale a concept is currently sitting and if it is ready
to be submitted for funding.
For further information please see the official Horizon 2020 website
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