THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH INNOVATION
Technology Readiness Levels
LEVEL
LIFE SCIENCES
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND SOFTWARE
1
Basic observations and new hypothesis reported
Basic observations and new hypothesis reported
2
Novel paradigm / composition of matter / method formulated; corroborating preliminary results obtained
Technology concept and / or application formulated; no experimental proof or detailed analysis yet supports the conjecture
3
Analytical or experimental proof-of-concept (POC) established; in vitro demonstration of consistent results to validate hypothesis
R&D is initiated: analytical studies set the technology into an appropriate context and “proof-of-concept” laboratory-based studies physically validate that the analytical predictions are correct
4
Proof-of-concept established in complex in vitro settings along with demonstrated competitive added value
Basic technological elements integrated to establish that the “pieces” will work together to achieve concept-enabling levels of performance for a component and / or breadboard
5
Invention validated in a relevant environment; in vivo POC established in small animals.
Component and / or breadboard validated in a relevant environment
6
Invention validated in a relevant environment; in vivo POC established in other species (canine, feline, etc.)
System/subsystem model or prototype near the desired configuration in terms of performance, weight, and volume tested in a relevant environment
7
Invention demonstrated in an operational environment; in vivo POC established in non-human primates
System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment
8
Invention completed and qualified through test and demonstration; POC established in humans / Phase I clinical trials
Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration
9
Invention proven successful in Phase ll and lll clinical trials and in commercial settings
Actual system proven through successful mission operations