Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)
How MII defines TRLs in the context of the next-gen materials industry
The next-gen materials industry is still nascent, but growing at a rapid rate with innovators at different stages of maturity. It can be difficult to assess “how far along” an innovator is in their development journey, but Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a metric that can provide some clarity. Developed in the 1970s by NASA to describe the pathway to “flight ready” technology, TRLs are now adopted by various industries to describe the research, development, and deployment stages of a project, company, or product.
MII has adopted the TRL system for internal tracking of the innovator landscape, and to assist our Brand Partnerships in their understanding of the various players in the industry. Below, we describe our definition of the 10 levels (0–9) that encompass the Next-Gen Material TRL system. We have also included example details from the lens of a fictional mycelium leather innovator at each TRL level, to better understand what each level may entail.
Please note that TRLs are not a perfect science, and the examples provided will not be exact scenarios for any individual next-gen material development path. Currently TRL levels are submitted by next-gen innovators, and vetted by MII for general accuracy. TRL levels may change rapidly at a fast-paced startup, and though MII strives to keep these values as accurate and up-to-date as possible, we rely on our stakeholders to be honest and open in the maintenance of this data.
Idea
Level 0: Initial idea or concept, no testing or prototypes
Example (Mycelium Leather): I noticed that certain fungi grow dense root-like structures called mycelium that might make useful materials.
Research
Level 1: Basic concept principles observed (e.g., basic academic research)
Example (Mycelium Leather): I have reviewed or conducted academic research which has explored the unique material properties of mycelium structures.
Level 2: Technology concept and intended market(s) formulated
Example (Mycelium Leather): Based on research observations and interviews with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), I am confident that mycelium could form the basis of an alternative to animal-based leather used in fashion, homegoods, and automotive industries.
Level 3: Experiments demonstrate proof-of-concept, basic functionality
Example (Mycelium Leather): I grew mycelium samples and processed them into sheet-like structures that are starting to resemble leather. I have identified co-founder(s) and have a basic business/monetising plan. I am funding this project with startup capital from my own savings/people I know.
Development
Level 4: Small scale prototype(s) in the laboratory, evolving R&D
Example (Mycelium Leather): I have begun to tweak growth conditions, formulations, and/or processing steps to create a series of small-scale prototypes or swatches. I have hired a few staff members aside from the founder(s). I have filed intellectual property. I have entered some innovation challenges, accelerator programs, or applied for grants. I have developed a pitch deck for investors and getting ready to raise a pre-seed or seed round.
Level 5: Technology/material is validated in the intended application (e.g., Pilot product)
Example (Mycelium Leather): R&D continues with more process refinement and swatch development, but I have transformed mycelium samples into a few example products in collaboration with a designer/leather maker: a watch band and a handbag (not for sale). I have done some performance testing to see where my material needs to improve. I have raised additional funds from professional investors to support my company's growth.
Level 6: Production system is validated in the intended application (e.g., Pilot manufacturing facility)
Example (Mycelium Leather): I have a dedicated laboratory/production facility and staff that can produce finished samples at a small scale. I am planning to build a commercial-scale laboratory facility. I have partnered with existing manufacturers for material finishing. My formulation and process is being fine-tuned. I have done a hot-spot analysis of my formulation and process' environmental impact to focus on how to improve my sustainability. I am continuing to fundraise. I am pitching to potential customers (brands).
Deployment
Level 7: Production system is operating near commercial scale, material nearing final formulation
Example (Mycelium Leather): With successful fundraising, I am building out a dedicated production space that can consistently produce mycelium leather sheets; when ready it will be at commercial scale. I am close to finalizing my formulation and processing method. I am reviewing contracts with brands for partnerships.
Level 8: Limited commercial scale availability of material to certain customers (e.g., Capsule collection, concept vehicle)
Example (Mycelium Leather): I have entered into an exclusive paid partnership with a fashion brand and produced a capsule collection of shoes (100 pairs) available to select customers. I have finalized the core of my formulation and processing method, and performance tests are complete. My production facility is increasing its production volume. I am conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of my material.
Level 9: Full commercial scale, mass production, available to all customers
Example (Mycelium Leather): My material has been used by multiple brands in full product lines and I am continuing to accept orders. My production facility is operating at full capacity. I will continue to optimize my material or production method to improve efficiency, lower costs, improve sustainability, offer customization, and enhance performance.
Follow-up Reading on TRLs
- Carly Anderson. Tools for Technology Evaluation: TRLs. Medium.
- EARTO. The TRL Scale as a Research & Innovation Policy Tool, EARTO Recommendations.
- Alison Olechowski, Steven D. Eppinger, Nitin Joglekar. Technology Readiness Levels at 40: a study of state-of-the-art use, challenges, and opportunities. MIT Sloan School of Management.