One key question to be thinking through at the start of your federal journey is your technology’s technology readiness level (TRL).
The TRL is a measure of how mature a technology is, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully operational (TRL 9).
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a competitive funding opportunity that supports research and development of innovative technologies by small businesses. The SBIR program has three phases, each corresponding to a different range of TRLs.
- Phase I is for feasibility studies and proof-of-concept (TRL 1-4),
- Phase II is for prototype development and testing (TRL 4-6),
- Phase III is for commercialization and transition to the market (TRL 7-9).
So what do these numbers mean, and how do you know where you are? Let’s break it down using one of life’s greatest delicacies: ice cream!
TRL 1- Basic Research
Main question to ask:
Are the basic principles of your technology observed and reported?
In other words, has your technology gone beyond a paper study of basic properties?
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
You walked outside on a hot summer day and said, “Hmm.. I’m hungry. What if I could make something that both satisfies my hunger and cools me off a bit.”
TRL 2- Applied Research
Main question to ask:
Is your technology and/or application formulated?
In other words- has a lab taken your research and put it into capabilities testing?
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
You grabbed your recipe card, and started to write down all of the ingredients and the overall process that needs to be implemented to make these iced dessert dreams a reality.
TRL 3- Component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment
Main question to ask:
Has your technology and/or application undergone analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept.
In other words- have you investigated whether your technology might have a Department of Defense application.
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
You go to the store, and you buy: milk, heavy cream, and vanilla.
TRL 4- Laboratory Testing of prototype component or process
Main question to ask:
Has your technology and/or application undergone component and/or in a laboratory environment?
In other words- have your basic technological components been integrated to establish that they will work together?
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
You mix all the ingredients together, and throw it into the ice cream maker, adding ice and salt to the outside as needed.
TRL 5- Laboratory Testing of prototype component or process
Main question to ask:
Have you conducted a component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment?
In other words, have you exposed your technology to real life conditions in a simulated environment?
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
You move the ice cream maker outside, and keep adding the ice and salt as needed.
TRL 6- Prototype System Verified
Main question to ask:
Have you conducted a system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment?
In other words, is your prototype near, or at, planned operational system?
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
The mixture is starting to thicken, as you hoped.
TRL 7- Integrated Pilot System
Main question to ask:
Have you conducted a System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
In other words, have you exposed your technology to real life conditions in a relevant environment?
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
You’re thinking the ice cream is ready to scoop into a bowl.
TRL 8 – System Incorporated in Commercial Design
Main question to ask:
Is your actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration.
In other words, has your technology been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions.
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
Bi-golly, you might have it. That sure looks like a bowl of ice cream, even in this heat!
TRL 9 – Actual system proven through successful mission operations.
Main question to ask:
Has your actual system been proven through successful mission operations?
In other words, has the actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation.
What does this mean in ice cream terms?
Add some crushed Oreos into that bowl and take a bite! You’ve got yourself some ice cream!
