Technology Readiness Levels and the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a useful way of classifying the current stage of an innovation or technology. They have originally been developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) many decades ago but have persisted as a popular tool used by institutions such as the European Commission (EC) to structure technologies with strong research and development components.

The technical TRL descriptions are rather vague since technologies can differ greatly in their underlying principles (i.e. a B2C fashion platform vs. a rocket) but must adhere to a single TRL hierarchy. They are generally numbered from 1 to 9 (i.e. both the NASA and the EC versions) and have a distinct description for each individual level.

The EC is defining TRL's as follows:

1. Basic principles observed
2. Technology concept formulated
3. Experimental proof of concept
4. Technology validated in lab
5. Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
6. Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
7. System prototype demonstration in operational environment
8. System complete and qualified
9. Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space)

whereas NASA is formulating the TRL's in the following way:

1. Basic principles observed and reported
2. Technology concept and/or application formulated
3. Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of-concept
4. Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
5. Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
6. System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (ground or space)
7. System prototype demonstration in a space environment
8. Actual system completed and "flight qualified" through test and demonstration (ground or space)
9. Actual system "flight-proven" through successful mission operations

Both descriptions are very similar but they can be difficult to understand due to their ambiguous language and generalisations. For that matter, it is worth reading the detailed NASA descriptions (i.e. software and hardware differentiation) since they provide significantly more information compared to the EC definitions (see NASA PDF).

Still, the TRL's can be even further simplified since the detail requested in an EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) application is not very elaborate and the descriptions regarding the current TRL6 can be very individual. It is also useful for consultants, European startups or professional grant proposal writers to have a more simplified version of TRL's at hand which can be rapidly applied to more diverse technologies or business models.

The TRL's are generally following a progression from an idea (i.e. identifying the technological principle) over the testing of components in a variety of environments to the complete and proven end-result. This process can be simplified in such a way that it can easily include a pure software innovation, a hardware production process or a new kind of business model (i.e. these are all eligible for funding under the EIC Accelerator).

A different way to formulate the TRL's could be:

1. Idea stage
2. First designs
3. Principle tested (analytical)
4. Components validated (simplified environment)
5. Components validated (simulated environment)
6. System validated (simulated environment)
7. System validated (real environment)
8. System complete
9. System complete and proven

In this list, the system describes the complete technology (i.e. hardware or software) which consist of multiple components (i.e. features or parts). The environment refers to the testing conditions with simplified (i.e. non-realistic), simulated (i.e. replicating real-life conditions) and real (i.e. in actual field applications) being key differentiations.

The list above is not an official classification by the EC or NASA but is a different way of thinking about TRL's while still adhering to the general stages provided in the official definitions. In the end, it is at the proposal authors discretion to decide how the current stage (i.e. TRL6) is defined and justified for a successful application. These justifications should at all times closely follow the questions provided in the official EIC Accelerator template.

In summary, it is useful for applicants to have a broader view of technology levels and not get discouraged if certain keywords do not directly fit a certain innovation. If you enjoyed this article then please feel free to also read the articles on how to choose a good project for the EIC Accelerator (Choosing a Good Project), a more general description on how TRL levels are considered in an application (TRL's for the EIC Accelerator) and this help for the proposal design (Design Resources).

These tips are not only useful for European startups, professional writers, consultants and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but are generally recommended when writing a business plan or investor documents.

Deadlines: Post-Horizon 2020, the EIC Accelerator accepts Step 1 submissions now while the deadlines for the full applications (Step 2) under Horizon Europe are listed below. The Step 1 applications must be submitted weeks in advance of Step 2. The next EIC Accelerator cut-off for Step 2 (full proposal) can be found here. After Brexit, UK companies can still apply to the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe albeit with non-dilutive grant applications only - thereby excluding equity-financing. Switzerland has resumed its participation in Horizon Europe and is now eligible for the EIC Accelerator.

Contact: You can reach out to us via this contact form to work with a professional consultant.

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Eureka Network: The Eureka Network delivers various international collaborative R&D initiatives such as Network Projects, Clusters, Eurostars, Globalstars, and Innowwide, providing funding from €50K to €6.75M per project based on the specific initiative. This network emphasizes market-driven innovation and deep-tech advancement across multiple technology sectors including ICT/Digital, Industrial/Manufacturing, Bio/Medical Technologies, Energy/Environment, Quantum, AI, and Circular Economy. Eligible participants include SMEs, large enterprises, research organizations, universities, and startups, with Eurostars particularly focused on R&D-performing SMEs. Get Started

EIC Transition: EIC Transition delivers up to €2.5 million in funding to overcome the 'valley of death' gap between laboratory research and market deployment, emphasizing technology maturation and validation. The initiative supports single legal entities or small consortia of 2-5 partners including SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, and research organizations. Key technology domains include Health/Medical Technologies, Green/Environmental Innovation, Digital/Microelectronics, Quantum Technologies, and AI/Robotics. Get Started

EIC STEP Scale-Up: EIC STEP Scale-Up delivers significant equity investments of €10-30 million for established deep-tech companies prepared for hyper-growth and large-scale expansion. The initiative targets SMEs or small mid-caps with up to 499 employees who have obtained pre-commitment from qualified investors. Primary focus areas include Digital & Deep Tech (Semiconductors, AI, Quantum), Clean Technologies for Net-Zero objectives, and Biotechnologies. Get Started

EIC Pre-Accelerator: EIC Pre-Accelerator represents a 2025 pilot initiative delivering €300,000-€500,000 in funding for early-stage deep-tech development and preparation for the EIC Accelerator program. This program is exclusively accessible to single SMEs or small mid-caps from 'Widening countries' to foster regional innovation development. The initiative encompasses deep-tech innovations across physical, biological, and digital domains. Get Started

EIC Pathfinder: EIC Pathfinder delivers up to €3 million for Open calls and up to €4 million for Challenge-based calls to support early-stage research and development with proof-of-principle validation. The initiative requires research consortia with a minimum of 3 partners from 3 different countries, including universities, research organizations, and SMEs. Primary technology focus areas include Health/Medical, Quantum Technologies, AI, Environmental/Energy, and Advanced Materials. Get Started

EIC Accelerator: EIC Accelerator delivers flexible funding options including blended finance (€2.5M grant + €0.5M-€10M equity), grant-only (up to €2.5M), or equity-only arrangements for scale-up and market deployment of breakthrough innovations. The initiative targets SMEs, start-ups, and small mid-caps with up to 499 employees, with MedTech/Healthcare representing 35% of funded projects. Additional technology areas include Biopharma, Energy, AI, Quantum, Aerospace, Advanced Materials, and Semiconductors. Get Started

Innovation Partnership: Innovation Partnership enables collaborative innovation between public and private sectors with typical funding of €1-5 million per project. The initiative supports cross-sectoral strategic technologies through public-private partnerships and consortia. Projects concentrate on addressing societal challenges through collaborative innovation approaches. Get Started

Innovation Fund: The EU Innovation Fund delivers substantial funding of €7.5 million to €300 million for large-scale demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The initiative targets clean energy, carbon capture, renewable energy, and energy storage technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Eligible participants include large companies, consortia, and public entities capable of implementing large-scale demonstration projects. Get Started

Innovate UK: Innovate UK delivers various programs with funding ranging from £25K to £10M depending on the specific initiative, supporting business-led innovation, collaborative R&D, and knowledge transfer. The organization funds projects across all sectors with particular emphasis on emerging technologies and supports UK-based businesses, research organizations, and universities. Programs are designed to drive economic growth through innovation and technology commercialization. Get Started

Industrial Partnership: Industrial Partnership delivers €2-10 million in funding for industrial research and innovation partnerships focusing on manufacturing, industrial technologies, and digital transformation. The initiative supports industrial consortia and research organizations in developing collaborative solutions for industrial challenges. Projects aim to strengthen European industrial competitiveness through strategic partnerships. Get Started

Eurostars: Eurostars represents a joint EU-Eureka initiative delivering €50K-€500K for international R&D collaboration specifically led by SMEs. The program adopts a bottom-up approach, accepting projects from all technology fields without predefined thematic restrictions. R&D-performing SMEs must lead the consortium and demonstrate significant R&D activities. Get Started

LIFE Programme: The LIFE Programme delivers €1-10 million in funding for environmental protection, climate action, and nature conservation projects across the European Union. The initiative supports environmental technologies, climate adaptation strategies, and biodiversity conservation initiatives. Eligible participants include public authorities, private companies, NGOs, and research institutions working on environmental and climate challenges. Get Started

Neotec: Neotec represents a Spanish initiative delivering €250K-€1M in funding for technology-based business creation and development, supporting the growth of innovative Spanish SMEs and start-ups. The program covers all technology sectors and aims to strengthen Spain's technology ecosystem. Funding is specifically targeted at Spanish technology-based SMEs and start-ups to enhance their competitiveness and market presence. Get Started

Thematic Priorities: EU Thematic Priorities encompass various programs aligned with EU strategic priorities including green transition, digital transformation, health, and security initiatives. Funding amounts vary based on the specific program and call requirements, with projects designed to address key European challenges. Applicant eligibility varies by specific program and call, with different requirements for different thematic areas. Get Started

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