Technology readiness levels
Inevitably, innovators will hit a roadblock on their way to market and need assistance getting their innovation to the next Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
TRLs are a measure to evaluate the maturity of an evolving innovation from Level 1: an idea on a napkin, to Level 9: a commercialized product on store shelves.
The concept is simple. People innovate and companies commercialize. TACs focus their service offerings on the mid-to-late stage TRLs, helping innovators over the “valley of death” of commercialization.
Traditionally, universities and their researchers, government labs and their scientists tend to work predominantly on TRLS 1-3, basic, discovery research, concepts, and inventions. Proving a concept at the bench scale.
The TACs come in from TRLs 4-8, bridging the commercialization gap. They work collaboratively with innovators and entrepreneurs of all kinds to move the innovations from invention and bench scale, to prototypes and pilot scale, to real products and full scale production.
Companies are always part of the journey, but really come in at TRL 9 and commercialize the product/process/service with sales domestically and abroad, creating wealth for Canada.
The Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Canada’s TACs:
Level 1: Observe/Report Concept
Begin scientific research, translate into applied research and development, ie: paper studies of a technology's basic properties.
Level 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated
At this level invention begins. Once the basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytical studies.
Level 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept
At this level active research and development is initiated. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.
How TACs help:
- Validation of processes, equipment, performance tests
- Technology evaluation / validation
- Proof of concept
- Concept ideation & design review
Level 4: Component and/or validation in a laboratory environment
At this level basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of "ad hoc" hardware in the laboratory.
How TACs help:
- Concept validation
- Consumer focus groups
- Regulatory guidance
- Reverse Engineering
Level 5: Component and/or validation in a simulated environment
At this level the basic technological components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.
How TACs help:
- Rapid prototyping / 3D printing
- Cost Avoidance
- Technical feasibility of process, product
- Product design and development
Level 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a simulated environment
At this level a model or prototype is developed that represents a near desired configuration. Activities include testing in a simulated operational environment or laboratory.
How TACs help:
- Product re-design and development
- Performance monitoring and management
- Field trials and simulations
- Industrial scale prototyping
Level 7: Prototype ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment
At this level the prototype should be at planned operational level and is ready for demonstration of an actual prototype in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.
How TACs help:
- Product/process optimization
- Non-destructive inspection
- Product/process testing
- Pilot scale prototyping
Level 8: Actual technology completed and qualified through tests and demonstrations
At this level the technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Activities include developmental testing and evaluation of whether it will meet operational requirements.
How TACs help:
- Retail product label and packaging review
- Product styling and photography
- Scale-up manufacturing process design
- Pilot trials and mini-production
Level 9: Actual technology proven through successful deployment in an operational setting
At this level there is actual application of the technology in its final form and under real-life conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluations. Activities include using the innovation under operational conditions.
A successfully commercialized product hanging on store shelves, or a process/service that people purchase and use.
At any point along the journey, innovators and entrepreneurs are welcome to circle back to the TAC for incremental improvements to their innovations, or to launch an entirely new offering to meet unforeseen market demand.