The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a scale from 1 to 9 that measures how close a technology or innovation is to the market. TRL 1 means that basic principles have been observed, and TRL 9 means that the system has been proven in an operational environment. EU programmes and Croatian calls for research, development and innovation state a starting and a target TRL for each instrument, so the level of your innovation decides which call you can apply to.
The scale was developed by NASA in the 1970s, and the European Union has used it in its research and innovation programmes since Horizon 2020. The European Innovation Council (EIC) uses the same definitions in the EIC Programme Finder, which recommends a funding programme based on the TRL of your innovation.
TRL 1–9 according to EU definitions
| TRL | Stage | Definition | What it usually shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research | Basic principles observed | scientific literature and theoretical analysis |
| 2 | Research | Technology concept formulated | description of the concept and possible applications |
| 3 | Research | Experimental proof of concept | laboratory experiments confirming the key functions |
| 4 | Development | Technology validated in lab | laboratory prototype of the key components |
| 5 | Development | Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies) | testing in conditions close to real ones |
| 6 | Development | Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies) | system prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment |
| 7 | Deployment | System prototype demonstration in operational environment | pilot with a real user |
| 8 | Deployment | System complete and qualified | final testing and certification |
| 9 | Deployment | Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies, or in space) | commercial use |
Which EU programme fits your TRL
The EIC Programme Finder guides you in three steps: TRL definitions, an assessment of your innovation’s level and a programme recommendation. The European Innovation Council programmes are part of Horizon Europe.
| Programme | Starting TRL and target | Funding | Who applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIC Pathfinder | TRL 1–4, aiming for TRL 3–4 | grants of up to EUR 4 million | consortia of at least three independent legal entities from different countries; single applicants for Pathfinder Challenges |
| EIC Transition | from TRL 3–4 towards TRL 5–6 | grants of up to EUR 2.5 million | single applicants (SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, research organisations, universities) or consortia of 2 to 5 entities |
| EIC Pre-Accelerator | at least TRL 4, development up to TRL 6 | EUR 500,000 to 1,000,000 per project in the 2027 call | only SMEs from Widening countries, including Croatia |
| EIC Accelerator | from TRL 4–6 towards TRL 7–8 | a grant component below EUR 2.5 million and equity investment of up to EUR 10 million | start-ups and SMEs, and individuals intending to set up a company |
| EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges | TRL 4–6, depending on the challenge | EUR 300,000 in stage 1 and up to EUR 2.5 million in stage 2 | start-ups, SMEs and research organisations |
| STEP Scale Up | TRL 9 and above | investment of EUR 10 to 30 million | start-ups, SMEs and small mid-caps |
- The EIC Accelerator accepts short proposals at any time, and the next 2026 cut-off for full proposals is 4 November 2026.
- The 2027 EIC Pre-Accelerator call opens on 5 May 2027, with a deadline of 18 November 2027.
Croatian calls and TRL
- Proof of Concept (PoC): funds research activities at TRL 3–4, with grants of up to EUR 70,000.
- Process Innovation in S3 Areas (PK.1.3.11): funds commercialisation at TRL 7 and above, from EUR 150,000 to EUR 450,000, with applications until 31 December 2026. Research and development from TRL 1 to TRL 6 is not eligible.
How to determine the TRL of your innovation
- You assess the technology the project develops, not the whole company or its existing products.
- Back the level with evidence: test reports, a prototype, pilot results or certificates. Evaluators check whether the stated level is realistic.
- Calls state a starting and a target level. EIC Transition, for example, starts at TRL 3–4 and aims for TRL 5–6, so the project has to show how you will reach the target level.
- Step 2 of the EIC Programme Finder gives examples of readiness for a manufactured product, an industrial process, software, a medical device and a drug.
- For digital platforms and applications we have prepared a TRL self-assessment questionnaire.
Common mistakes
- Overstating the level without evidence of testing in a relevant or operational environment.
- Confusing the level of one component with the level of the whole system.
- Applying to a call that does not cover your level, for example applying with TRL 4 development to a call that funds only TRL 7 and above.
Frequently asked questions about TRL
TRL (Technology Readiness Level) is a scale from 1 to 9 that shows how developed a technology is, from basic principles observed (TRL 1) to a system proven in an operational environment (TRL 9).
According to the EIC Programme Finder, the EIC Accelerator is for innovations at TRL 4–6 developing towards TRL 7–8. The grant component is below EUR 2.5 million, and equity investment can be up to EUR 10 million.
At EU level, the EIC Pathfinder (TRL 1–4, aiming for TRL 3–4), and in Croatia the Proof of Concept (PoC) call, which funds activities at TRL 3–4.
Yes. The EIC Pre-Accelerator is open only to SMEs from Widening countries, which include Croatia. At least TRL 4 is required, and the 2027 call opens on 5 May 2027.
State what has already been tested, where and with what result, and attach test reports, a description of the prototype, pilot results or certificates.
How we can help
Omnia Solutions prepares and implements EU-funded research, development and innovation projects. We will work with you to determine the TRL of your innovation and the call that fits it. Write to info@omniasolutions.hr or call +385 97 7969 679. The first conversation is free of charge.
>> EU projects: preparation and implementation | Horizon Europe partner from Croatia
Sources
As of 28 October 2026. Programme conditions may change; the official call documents prevail.
