A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a standardized nine-level scale used to measure the maturity of a technology from initial scientific research through proven operational use. Originally developed by NASA and now widely adopted by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies, the scale ranges from TRL 1, where basic principles are observed, to TRL 9, where the technology has been successfully demonstrated in its intended operational environment. TRLs help acquisition and engineering organizations assess technical risk, determine whether technologies are ready for integration into larger systems, and support investment and milestone decisions throughout the system development lifecycle.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
A standardised nine-level scale measuring a technology's maturity from basic research to proven operational use.
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