Guidance

IRL & TRL (1–9) — explained

In Start Attractor applications, we ask you to self-report an IRL/TRL level. These scales help us understand both innovation maturity (IRL) and technology maturity (TRL), and align you with the right program and mentoring.

✅ Use for self‑assessment 🧭 Helps choose the right program 🔎 Not a “score” — a shared language
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Quick rule of thumb

TRL tracks the maturity of the underlying technology (from principle to proven system).
IRL tracks the maturity of the innovation in context (from idea to adoption and scaling).

Definitions

What each scale measures

You can have a high TRL (the technology works) but a lower IRL (market/implementation not ready yet), and vice‑versa.

IRL

Innovation Readiness Level

IRL describes how ready the innovation is to be adopted in a real context: problem clarity, validation, implementation path, and scaling.

  • 1–3: idea, hypotheses, proof‑of‑concept
  • 4–6: prototype, validation, pilot‑readiness
  • 7–9: operational demo, deployment, adoption & scaling
TRL

Technology Readiness Level

TRL describes the maturity of the technology itself: from observed principles, to validated prototypes, to a complete, proven system.

  • 1–3: principles, concept, experimental proof
  • 4–6: validated & demonstrated prototypes
  • 7–9: operational prototype, qualified system, proven in operation
Scale

IRL/TRL mapping (1–9)

Choose the row that best matches your current evidence. If you are unsure, select the lower level and clarify in the form.

Reference table
IRL and TRL definitions from 1 to 9
Level IRL (innovation readiness) TRL (technology readiness)
1Problem/idea identified; context understoodBasic principles observed
2Concept and hypotheses formulatedTechnology concept formulated
3Proof of concept validatedExperimental proof of concept
4Prototype in lab; key functions demonstratedTechnology validated in lab
5Prototype in relevant environment; early feedbackTechnology validated in relevant environment
6Pilot‑ready system; performance validatedTechnology demonstrated in relevant environment
7Demo in operational environment; integration shownSystem prototype demonstrated in operational environment
8First deployments; limited rollout / advanced pilotsSystem complete and qualified
9Real‑world adoption; scalable operationsActual system proven in operational environment

Tip: include evidence (experiments, pilots, LOIs, customers, deployments) in your application.