Framework F009:Identify your Innovation Stage with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

Identify your innovation’s stage using TRL and BRL frameworks to guide growth and funding

You can’t scale what you haven’t validated. This framework helps you pinpoint exactly where your innovation stands in the development lifecycle — whether it’s still conceptual or ready to launch.

Using tools like Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Business Readiness Levels (BRL), you’ll gain clarity on your current progress, what’s missing, and how to communicate that status effectively to funders, partners, and your team. If you’ve ever wondered how to explain “where you’re at” — this is the answer.

What You Will Achieve With This Framework

✔ Understand all stages of innovation using the TRL and BRL models

✔ Classify your product's status with precision — from concept to commercialization

✔ Set clear, strategic milestones to reach the next phase of growth

✔ Create confidence in your roadmap with funders and stakeholders

✔ Avoid misallocating time and budget by aligning actions to stage

Who This Is For

This framework is ideal for:

  • Founders and product leaders in early to growth-stage startups

  • Innovators seeking funding, partnerships, or pilot opportunities

  • Program and grant applicants who need to declare a TRL level

  • Teams wanting to track product stages of development in a consistent, strategic way

When to Use It

Deploy this framework when:

  • You’re applying for funding or grants that require a stated TRL level

  • You’re unsure if your product is “ready enough” to go to market

  • Your team or board is unclear on current progress

  • You’re entering a new innovation cycle and need to plan next steps

What This Framework Replaces

✘ Guesswork about what “stage” your idea is at

✘ Confusing messaging to investors and stakeholders

✘ Premature scaling or underdeveloped business readiness

✘ Misalignment between product and market planning

How It Fits Into Your Innovation Process

This framework sits after feasibility analysis and before go-to-market strategy. It helps ensure that both your tech and business model are progressing in sync.

Framework Sections

  1. Introduction to Development Stages: Why knowing your phase matters

  2. Technology Readiness Levels (TRL): 9-step scale from research to full deployment

  3. Business Readiness Levels (BRL): From early idea to market dominance

  4. How to Assess Your Stage: Compare your current state to real-world examples

  5. Advancement Planning: What’s needed to move to the next level

  6. Evidence & Validation: How to document and communicate your status

  7. Additional Resources: NASA, European Commission, and TRL assessment tools