Where Does Your Project Fit? A Simple Guide to Technology Readiness Levels for Innovate UK Grant Applicants
23 Jul 2025
You've identified an innovative opportunity that could transform your industry. Whether you're exploring a breakthrough concept, have proven technology in the lab, or are ready to demonstrate your solution in real-world conditions, you know there's potential for significant impact. But when you start exploring Innovate UK funding opportunities, you're hit with a crucial question that determines everything: "What's your Technology Readiness Level?"
If you're unsure how to answer this question, you're not alone. Many promising innovations fail to secure funding not because they lack merit, but because applicants don't understand how to position their project's development stage effectively within Innovate UK's framework. In fact, 14% of applications are deemed ineligible simply because applicants choose the wrong research category for their project's current TRL.
This guide will help you understand exactly where your project fits in the TRL framework and how to leverage this knowledge for successful grant application writing.
What Are Technology Readiness Levels?
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) provide a standardised way to assess the maturity of a particular technology. Originally developed by NASA, this 9-point scale has become the international standard for evaluating innovations across all sectors.
You can think of TRL as a roadmap that charts your innovation's journey from initial concept to full commercial deployment.
Understanding your current position on this roadmap is crucial for targeting the most suitable Innovate UK funding opportunities.
The TRL Scale Explained
Research Phase (TRL 1-3)
TRL 1: Basic Principles Observed - You've identified the fundamental scientific principles
TRL 2: Technology Concept Formulated - You've formulated the basic technology concept
TRL 3: Experimental Proof of Concept - You've demonstrated analytical and experimental proof
Development Phase (TRL 4-6)
TRL 4: Technology Validated in Lab - Your technology works in a controlled laboratory environment
TRL 5: Technology Validated in Relevant Environment - Your technology has been tested in conditions similar to real-world use
TRL 6: Technology Demonstrated in Relevant Environment - Your technology performs successfully in its intended environment
Deployment Phase (TRL 7-9)
TRL 7: System Prototype Demonstration in Operational Environment - You have a working prototype in real conditions
TRL 8: System Complete and Qualified - Your technology is fully developed and tested
TRL 9: Actual System Proven in Operational Environment - Your technology is commercially deployed and operational
How Innovate UK Uses TRL for Funding Decisions
Here's where understanding TRL becomes crucial for your grant application writing strategy: Innovate UK targets different funding streams based on specific TRL ranges, each with distinct success rates and funding characteristics.
Feasibility Studies (TRL 2-4) - 70% - 100% Funding Rate
Perfect for: Early-stage concepts that need initial validation
Funding amount: £25,000-£150,000 over 6-18 months
Success rate: 70% - 100% funded
Why it works: Lower risk for funders, clear validation objectives
If you have a promising concept but need to prove its technical feasibility, this is often your best starting point. The high success rate reflects Innovate UK's recognition that early-stage validation is crucial for innovation.
Industrial Research (TRL 3-6) - 70% Funding Rate
Perfect for: Proven lab concepts needing real-world validation
Funding amount: £1-10 million for collaborative projects with universities
Success rate: 70% funded
Why it works: Technology de-risked in lab, ready for scaling challenges
This funding stream bridges the gap between laboratory success and commercial viability, often requiring academic partnerships that bring additional expertise.
Experimental Development (TRL 5-8) - 45% Funding Rate
Perfect for: Nearly market-ready innovations needing final development
Funding amount: Varies, typically larger individual grants
Success rate: 45% funded
Why it works: Higher commercial potential but increased risk assessment
The lower funding rate reflects Innovate UK's expectation that projects at this stage should attract private investment in addition to public funding.
Key insight: Most Innovate UK-funded projects fall within TRL 2-8, representing the critical development phase where public funding can make the biggest impact on commercialisation success.
Common TRL Assessment Mistakes That Damage Applications
Mistake 1: Overestimating Your TRL
Many applicants inflate their TRL level, thinking it makes their application stronger. However, this often backfires spectacularly.
Real example: A fintech startup claimed TRL 7 for their fraud detection algorithm, stating they had "operational deployment." In reality, they had only tested it on historical data. Assessors quickly identified the mismatch, and the application scored poorly on technical credibility.
The fix: Be brutally honest about your current development stage. Assessors prefer realistic assessments with clear development plans over inflated claims.
Mistake 2: Misunderstanding TRL Definitions
Different sectors interpret TRL levels differently, leading to confusion in applications.
Real example: A medical device company thought TRL 6 meant "working in a lab setting," but for medical technologies, TRL 6 typically requires clinical environment testing with real patients.
The fix: Research sector-specific TRL interpretations and align your assessment with industry standards.
Mistake 3: Targeting the Wrong Funding Stream
Real example: An aerospace company with TRL 3 technology applied for experimental development funding (TRL 5-8), arguing they could rapidly advance. They were rejected for being premature rather than being directed to appropriate funding for feasibility studies.
The fix: Match your application to funding streams designed for your actual TRL level, not where you hope to be.
Practical TRL Assessment: Where Does Your Project Really Fit?
Use this practical framework to honestly assess your innovation's TRL:
Questions to Ask Yourself
For TRL 1-3 (Research):
Have you only tested your concept in controlled laboratory conditions?
Are you still proving basic technical principles?
Do you need to validate that your approach actually works?
For TRL 4-6 (Development):
Does your technology work consistently in lab conditions?
Have you tested it in environments similar to real-world use?
Can you demonstrate performance to potential customers?
For TRL 7-9 (Deployment):
Do you have a working prototype in real operating conditions?
Are customers actually using your technology?
Have you proven commercial viability?
The "Evidence Test"
Ask yourself: "What concrete evidence do I have to support my TRL claim?"
TRL 4 evidence: Laboratory test results, performance data, technical specifications
TRL 6 evidence: Pilot customer feedback, field trial results, user acceptance testing
TRL 8 evidence: Commercial deployment data, customer testimonials, revenue figures
If you can't provide specific evidence for your claimed TRL, you're likely overestimating your position.
Strategic TRL Positioning for Your Application
Once you've accurately assessed your TRL, here's how to position it strategically in your grant application writing:
Emphasise Your Development Journey
Don't just state your current TRL - show assessors how you'll progress during the funded project.
Example: "Our AI diagnostic tool is currently at TRL 4, validated in laboratory conditions with 94% accuracy on test datasets. This 18-month project will advance us to TRL 6 through clinical trials in three NHS trusts, demonstrating real-world effectiveness and gathering regulatory evidence for CE marking."
Address TRL-Specific Risks
Each TRL level faces distinct challenges. Acknowledging and addressing these shows technical sophistication:
TRL 3-4: Technical feasibility risks, scalability concerns
TRL 5-6: Integration challenges, user acceptance issues
TRL 7-8: Market readiness, competitive positioning, regulatory approval
Align Your Team with TRL Requirements
Different TRL levels require different expertise:
Early TRL (2-4): Research expertise, technical validation capabilities
Mid TRL (5-6): Industry partnerships, pilot customer access
Late TRL (7-8): Commercial expertise, market validation experience
TRL Success Stories: Learning from Real Applications
Case Study 1: The Smart Manufacturing Startup
Challenge: A manufacturing analytics company had TRL 5 technology but continued to apply for early-stage feasibility funding.
Solution: They repositioned their application for industrial research funding, emphasising their readiness for real-world validation with manufacturing partners.
Result: Secured £800,000 in funding and accelerated their development by 18 months.
Case Study 2: The Healthcare Innovation
Challenge: A digital health startup overestimated their TRL as 7, claiming operational deployment when they only had proof-of-concept validation.
Solution: They reassessed at TRL 4 and applied for feasibility study funding to conduct clinical validation.
Result: Secured £120,000, successfully completed clinical trials, and positioned themselves for larger funding rounds.
Leveraging TRL Knowledge for Competitive Advantage
Understanding TRL gives you several strategic advantages in grant application writing:
1. Competition Selection
You can identify competitions that align with your development stage, avoiding mismatched applications that waste time and resources.
2. Partnership Strategy
Different TRL levels benefit from different partnerships:
Early TRL: Academic collaborations for research expertise
Mid TRL: Industry partners for real-world validation
Late TRL: Commercial partners for market access
3. Timeline Planning
TRL progression helps you set realistic project timelines and milestones that assessors will find credible.
4. Budget Justification
Different TRL levels have different cost structures, helping you build convincing budget cases.
Common Questions About TRL and Innovate UK Applications
"Can I apply if my TRL doesn't perfectly match the funding stream?"
While exact TRL matching isn't mandatory, significant misalignment raises red flags. If you're borderline (e.g., TRL 4-5 for an industrial research program), focus on demonstrating readiness for the next development phase.
"How do I handle multi-component technologies with different TRL levels?"
Report the TRL of your overall system, but acknowledge component variations in your technical approach. This shows technical awareness and planning sophistication.
"Should I mention TRL explicitly in my application?"
While not mandatory, referencing TRL demonstrates your understanding of technology development frameworks. However, avoid TRL jargon; explain your development stage in clear, business terms.
The Grant Hero Advantage: Simplifying TRL Assessment and Application Strategy
Understanding TRL levels is just the first step in writing a successful grant application. The real challenge lies in translating this knowledge into compelling applications that resonate with assessors.
This is where Grant Hero transforms the process for innovative businesses. Unlike expensive consultants charging £4,000-6,000 per application or generic AI tools that lack grant-specific knowledge, Grant Hero's AI-powered platform specifically understands how to position TRL within Innovate UK applications.
Grant Hero's TRL-Smart Features:
Hero Brain Repository: Upload your technical documentation, test results, and development roadmap. Grant Hero's AI understands your actual TRL position based on concrete evidence rather than aspirational claims.
Competition Identification: The platform helps you identify relevant competitions for your project, saving hours of manual research and preventing mismatched applications.
AI-Powered Scoring: Receive real-time feedback on how effectively you've communicated your development stage and progression plans, helping you avoid common TRL positioning mistakes that can damage applications.
Flexible Pricing Tiers: Grant Hero offers three options to match your needs:
Free Tier: Grant matching and basic application builder access
Tier 1 (£150): AI drafting, scoring, and appendix templates - save 20+ hours per application
Tier 2 (£950 + 1% success fee): Everything above plus expert review and consultation calls to boost success chances by 30% while saving 20+ hours per application.
Starting at £150 with paid tiers, Grant Hero offers professional-quality grant application writing at a fraction of the cost of traditional consultants, who typically charge over £ 4,000 for similar services.
The platform has helped businesses save up to 20+ hours per application while improving success rates, with Tier 2 users seeing up to 30% better chances of success, specifically by helping them position their TRL accurately and strategically.
Your Next Steps: From TRL Assessment to Funding Success
Successfully securing Innovate UK funding starts with an honest TRL assessment, but success requires translating this knowledge into compelling applications that stand out in competitive funding rounds.
Here's your action plan:
Assess your TRL honestly using the framework provided in this guide
Identify funding streams that align with your development stage
Gather concrete evidence to support your TRL claims
Develop a clear progression plan showing how funding will advance your TRL
Position your application strategically using TRL-appropriate language and partnerships
Remember: Innovate UK success rates may be challenging, but understanding TRL gives you a significant competitive advantage. Most applicants either don't understand the framework or position themselves incorrectly.
Your innovation deserves the best possible chance of securing funding.