Trl

/ˌtiː.ɑrˈɛl/ noun

Definition

Technology Readiness Level, a scale used to assess the maturity of technology development from basic research to deployment.

Etymology

Modern acronym from 1970s NASA methodology, developed to evaluate space technology projects. Expanded from NASA to other government agencies and private industry in 1990s-2000s.

Kelly Says

TRL scales run from 1 (basic principles) to 9 (flight-proven), and most breakthrough technologies get stuck around TRL 4-6 in what's called the 'valley of death' - where lab success meets the harsh reality of commercial viability.

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