Discovery

TRL 1 — Basic principles observed. You've identified a concept or scientific principle that could address a health need, but no practical application yet.

TRL 2 — Concept formulated. You've defined how the technology could work in a healthcare setting. The idea is taking shape but hasn't been tested.

TRL 3 — Proof of concept. Initial experiments or models show the concept is feasible. You have early evidence it could work, but not yet in a real-world environment.

Development

TRL 4 — Validated in lab. The technology has been tested in a controlled environment. Core functionality works, but it hasn't been tested with real users or real clinical data.

TRL 5 — Validated in relevant environment. You have a functional prototype or MVP tested in a realistic setting — for example, with clinicians or patients in a simulated clinical environment.

TRL 6 — Demonstrated in relevant environment. The solution has been piloted or demonstrated in a real-world healthcare setting. You have pilot data and early user feedback.

Deployment

TRL 7 — System prototype in operational environment. The solution has been tested in a live clinical environment at near-final form. Regulatory and compliance work is underway or complete.

TRL 8 — System complete and qualified. The product is finalised, regulatory approvals are in place, and it's been successfully deployed in at least one operational healthcare setting.

TRL 9 — Proven in operational environment. The solution is in routine use, commercially available, and has real-world evidence of clinical or operational impact. Ready to scale.

Why It Matters

Funding. Most grant programmes specify a TRL range. NIHR i4i THRIVE targets TRL 1–3. SBRI Healthcare typically supports TRL 4–7. Smart Grants span TRL 3–7.

NHS adoption. NHS trusts typically engage from TRL 5+ for pilots and TRL 7+ for procurement. Knowing your TRL helps us connect you to the right opportunities.

Support. Your TRL shapes what you need most — academic partnerships at the early stages, clinical pilots in the middle, and regulatory and commercial support as you approach market.