Most founders and operators know their technology well. Fewer have a clear picture of where they sit commercially. This tool maps both, side by side, so you can see the gap and understand what needs to happen next.
It takes around 10 minutes to complete and produces a visual readiness profile you can keep and share.
A high TRL with a low CRL is the most common pattern we see. The technology works, but the commercial fundamentals (target market, pricing, sales approach, team capability) haven't been built yet. That gap is not a product problem. It is a commercialisation problem.
Knowing the size of the gap is the first step to closing it. The tool won't tell you how to close it, but it will tell you clearly where you are starting from.
Full definitions for each readiness level. Use these alongside your results to understand exactly where you sit and what the next level requires.
| Level | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 1 | Basic Research and Concept | Project work is beyond basic research and technology concept has been defined. |
| TRL 2 | Technology Concept Formulated | Applied research has begun and practical application(s) have been identified. |
| TRL 3 | Experimental Proof of Concept | Preliminary testing of technology components has begun, and technical feasibility has been established in a laboratory environment. |
| TRL 4 | Small Prototype Validated in Lab | Initial testing of integrated product/system has been completed in a laboratory environment. |
| TRL 5 | Integrated Prototype Validated | Laboratory scale integrated product/system demonstrates performance in the intended application(s). |
| TRL 6 | Prototype System Validated in Relevant Environment | The product/system has been scaled from laboratory to pilot scale and validated in the relevant environment. Issues that may affect achieving full scale have been identified. |
| TRL 7 | Demonstration of a Full Scale Product/System | Prototype has been completed in the intended application(s) at pre-commercialisation scale. |
| TRL 8 | System Design Complete | Actual product/system has been proven to work in its near-final form, under a representative set of expected conditions and environments. Manufacturing issues solved. |
| TRL 9 | Full Commercial Deployment | Product/system is in final form and proved in all operational environments, technology is ready for full commercial deployment. |
| Level | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CRL 1 | Market Exploration | Initial understanding of the potential market, with secondary research providing an overview of applications and competitive landscape. |
| CRL 2 | Concept Exploration | Direct research has been carried out to determine the product's/system's market potential and to gain a basic understanding of the competition. The founder(s) or limited resources are engaged, product concepts are in the speculative stage. |
| CRL 3 | Market Fit | Enhanced knowledge of market needs and competitive products leads to the formation of initial product concepts, which are refined with primary market research and technological assessments. |
| CRL 4 | Value Proposition Refinement | Refinement of the primary product concept with potential customers. Proven technology is mapped to market needs, revealing a clear value proposition. A basic cost-performance model and competitive analysis, highlighting unique benefits, are undertaken. |
| CRL 5 | Market Engagement | A deep market understanding is achieved; the product is clearly defined. Relationships are established with potential suppliers, partners, and customers to provide an understanding of product design and manufacturability trade-offs. A basic financial model is built with initial projections. |
| CRL 6 | Design and Compliance Optimisation | Detailed product/system design is documented and optimised through comprehensive market and customer input. A balanced team is in place. Partnerships are formed with key stakeholders across the value chain (e.g. suppliers, partners, customers). All certification and regulatory requirements are understood and appropriate steps for compliance are underway. Financial models continue to be refined. |
| CRL 7 | Market Entry Preparation | Completion of product design with supply chain and customer agreements in place. Certification and regulatory processes are complete and production quality management systems are in place. Comprehensive financial models and projections have been built and validated. |
| CRL 8 | Initial Market Entry | Early-stage manufacturing and sales commence. Commercialisation readiness continues to mature to support larger scale production and sales. Assumptions are continually and iteratively validated by a fully capable team. |
| CRL 9 | Market Expansion | The product or service is fully deployed in the market, with established manufacturing processes and a solid market presence. Continuous assessment and adaptation to market changes are in place. |