If you are an SBIR applicant, you may be wondering how to use the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in your proposal. The TRL is a useful tool for communicating the maturity of your technology to reviewers, and it can help them understand where your technology is at the MVP stage and how it is expected to advance at the commercialization stage.
At the beginning of Phase I, your technology is likely at TRL 1 or 2. This means that you have a concept or idea, but you have not yet tested it in a laboratory environment. During Phase I, you will work to advance your technology to TRL 3 or 4. This means that you have demonstrated proof of concept in a laboratory environment and are working to develop a prototype.
At the end of Phase I, you should aim to have your technology at TRL 4 or 5. This means that you have developed a prototype and tested it in a laboratory environment. You should also have a clear plan for how you will advance your technology to TRL 6 or 7 during Phase II.
During Phase II, you will work to advance your technology to TRL 6 or 7. This means that you have demonstrated a functional prototype in a relevant environment and are working to develop a final product. At the end of Phase II, you should aim to have your technology at TRL 8 or 9. This means that you have demonstrated a final product in a relevant environment and are ready for commercialization.
When writing your SBIR proposal, it is important to clearly communicate where your technology is at in terms of the TRL. This will help reviewers understand the maturity of your technology and how it is expected to advance at the commercialization stage. Be sure to provide specific details about the work you plan to do during each phase to advance your technology to the next TRL level.
In summary, the TRL is a useful tool for communicating the maturity of your technology to reviewers. By using the TRL in your SBIR proposal, you can help reviewers understand where your technology is at the MVP stage and how it is expected to advance at the commercialization stage. Be sure to provide specific details about the work you plan to do during each phase to advance your technology to the next TRL level. Good luck with your proposal!
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