On this blog, we have already explored what Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are and taken a closer look at the first 4 stages: TRL 1, TRL 2, TRL 3 and TRL 4. Each of these phases represents an essential step in the journey from scientific discovery to real-world application.

In this article, we continue along the scale and focus on Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5). This stage marks a crucial transition point: moving to test the technological solution in relevant (real-world or simulated) environments.

This is the moment in the TRL 5 innovation lifecycle where technologies is starting to get tested and validated in either real-world or simulated environments.

But what exactly does this shift mean for researchers, startups, and companies? And why is TRL 5 often seen as the first real step toward turning an idea into a practical solution? Let’s dive deeper into this critical stage of the innovation lifecycle.

Note: If you’d like to first get a general overview of the Technology Readiness Levels scale before diving into the stage-by-stage explanations, we recommend starting with this article. It will give you the full picture of how TRLs work and why they matter for technology development.

What is TRL 5? 

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 represents a pivotal milestone in the innovation lifecycle, where a technology transitions from controlled laboratory testing to validation in a relevant environment—whether real-world or simulated.

This stage is critical because it bridges the gap between theoretical potential and practical feasibility, confirming that a technology can perform as expected in conditions that closely mimic its intended operational setting.

At TRL 5, the focus shifts from isolated component testing to integrating technology into a system configuration that reflects the final application, uncovering unforeseen challenges and validating scalability.

For tech entrepreneurs, engineers, investors, and innovation managers, understanding TRL 5 is essential. It is the stage where technologies must prove their robustness, reliability, and readiness for broader deployment, which directly impacts investment decisions and strategic planning.

Why is TRL 5 so important for your solution? 

At TRL 5, technology validation moves beyond the lab into environments that closely simulate real-world conditions. These relevant environments can be actual operational settings—such as industrial sites, field conditions, or commercial facilities—or simulated environments that replicate the complexities and variables of real-world use.

The shift from lab to relevant environments is essential because it exposes the technology to unforeseen challenges, including variability in operating conditions, user interactions, and system integration demands that cannot be fully replicated in controlled lab settings.

For example, in aerospace, NASA’s Jupiter Orbiter spacecraft design underwent rigorous testing in simulated operational settings at TRL 5 to validate its readiness for space missions. This included assessing performance under radiation, launch conditions, and other mission-specific stressors that mimic the space environment.

Similarly, in healthcare, mRNA vaccines were field-tested extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic to validate efficacy and safety in real-world conditions, involving clinical trials and regulatory compliance.

Autonomous vehicle trials by Waymo also exemplify TRL 5 validation, where the technology was tested in real-world driving conditions to assess functionality, reliability, and scalability.

This validation phase is critical for confirming that the technology can be integrated into a system configuration that closely matches the final application. It ensures that the technology is robust, repeatable, and capable of delivering stable performance in environments that closely resemble the end-use scenario. Without this validation, technologies risk failing when deployed at scale, as unforeseen challenges could emerge that were not apparent in lab conditions.

Assessing scalability and logistics for broader application

TRL 5 is also the stage where scalability and logistics are rigorously assessed to ensure the technology can transition from prototype to mass production or widespread deployment. This involves evaluating supply chain requirements, manufacturing constraints, regulatory hurdles, and cost analyses to determine the economic and practical feasibility of scaling the technology.

For instance, Tesla’s scaling of battery technology from pilot projects to gigafactories illustrates the challenges and solutions involved in moving from prototype to mass production. The company had to address supply chain management, manufacturing process optimization, and cost reduction strategies to make the technology viable for broad market deployment.

Similarly, Moderna faced complex logistical challenges in distributing its mRNA vaccine globally, including cold chain logistics, regulatory approvals, and production scaling.

This assessment is crucial for attracting investment and preparing the technology for market launch, as it demonstrates not only technical feasibility but also economic viability. Navigating TRL 5 can be challenging, but this is where Techfinders can support you. Our platform helps companies validate their TRL 5 technologies by connecting them with the right industrial partners, testing opportunities, and market feedback.

From facilitating lab validations to offering guidance on potential applications and funding sources, Techfinders acts as a bridge between your early prototype and the next steps toward commercialisation.

Collecting user feedback and assessing field performance

User feedback at TRL 5 is indispensable for refining prototypes and ensuring the technology meets real-world user needs and market demands. This feedback is collected through pilot programs, beta testing, and partnerships with early adopters who interact with the technology in its intended operational environment.

For example, Boston Dynamics refined its robots based on feedback from industrial partners, which helped identify usability issues and design flaws that were not apparent in lab testing. Agricultural tech startups adjust IoT sensors based on farmer input to improve functionality and user experience. Airbnb’s early platform iterations incorporated user feedback to pivot and optimize the user experience, which was critical for its market success.

Methodologies for gathering feedback include:

• Pilot programs: Limited-scale deployments to early adopters who provide insights on usability and performance.
• Beta testing: Releasing prototypes to a broader user base to identify bugs, usability issues, and feature requests.
• Partnerships with early adopters: Collaborating with industry partners or users who can provide domain-specific feedback.

This feedback loop enables iterative refinement, which is essential for aligning the technology with market demands and operational realities.

Refining prototypes based on real-world feedback

The iterative process of refining prototypes based on real-world feedback is a cornerstone of TRL 5. This process involves developing an early version of the product (prototype), sharing it with users for feedback, and incrementally refining the design based on user insights and performance data.

The prototyping model in software engineering, for example, includes phases such as requirements gathering, quick design, prototype building, initial user evaluation, refinement, and final implementation. This iterative cycle allows flexibility and adaptation, especially when exact requirements are not fully known at the outset

Challenges in this phase include managing the cost and time of iterations, ensuring feedback is accurately interpreted and prioritized, and avoiding sub-optimal solutions due to rushed development. Solutions involve structured feedback loops, version control, and rigorous testing protocols to maintain design integrity.

A timeline or flowchart illustrating this iterative refinement process for a well-known technology (e.g., electric vehicle prototypes or AI models) would show how user feedback at TRL 5 leads to design improvements, which are then validated in subsequent testing cycles, progressively increasing the technology’s readiness for market.

Key considerations

TRL 5 is a critical inflection point in the technology development lifecycle, marking the transition from lab-based testing to real-world validation. This stage is essential for confirming a technology’s feasibility, scalability, and readiness for broader deployment. By validating technology in relevant environments, assessing scalability and logistics, and incorporating user feedback into iterative prototyping, innovators can effectively bridge the gap between theoretical potential and market-ready solutions.

Mastering TRL 5 accelerates innovation, attracts investment, and prepares technologies for successful scaling. It is the stage where practical realities meet theoretical promises, ensuring that technologies are robust, reliable, and aligned with user needs. Understanding and effectively navigating TRL 5 is thus indispensable for tech entrepreneurs, engineers, investors, and innovation managers aiming to transform prototypes into impactful, scalable solutions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rui Leal de Oliveira

Digital Marketing Specialist