Innovation doesn’t happen overnight, it evolves through a series of well-defined stages. One widely used framework to track this progress is the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, originally developed by NASA and now adopted globally across industries and research domains.

In this article, we focus on TRL 2: Technology Concept Formulated, a critical early phase in the technology development journey.

What is TRL 2?

TRL 2 marks the stage where a technology concept is born. It goes beyond the theoretical principles established in TRL 1 and begins to explore how these principles might translate into practical applications.

At this level, no experimental validation has occurred yet, but the foundation is being laid for deeper investigation.

Key Actions and Considerations at TRL 2 

To progress through TRL 2 effectively, innovators, engineers, and researchers should focus on the following actions:

1. Formulating Technology Concepts

This involves brainstorming and developing conceptual models or system architectures based on the scientific principles identified in TRL 1. These concepts don’t need to be tested yet, but they should show a logical and potentially viable application.

2. Initial Feasibility Assessment

Begin analyzing whether the concept could work under ideal conditions. This doesn’t involve real-world testing yet but might include literature reviews, simulations, or basic models to identify potential challenges and opportunities.

3. Identifying Potential Use Cases

Understanding where and how the technology could be applied is essential. Identifying industry-specific needs, user scenarios, or market gaps can help steer the development in a commercially relevant direction.

4. Defining a Path Toward Proof of Concept

While full proof of concept is reached in TRL 3, TRL 2 should begin outlining how to demonstrate feasibility—whether that’s via lab simulation, computational modeling, or early-stage prototyping in the next phase.

Why TRL 2 Matters

Though still conceptual, TRL 2 is a strategic checkpoint. It’s where you determine whether an idea is worth pursuing further. Misalignment with market needs, technical impracticality, or high complexity can all be flagged early, saving time and resources.

Moreover, a well-articulated TRL 2 concept can support early funding applications, attract collaborators, or justify moving forward into deeper R&D.

Common Outputs of TRL 2

• Concept papers or whitepapers

• Feasibility studies

• Use case exploration reports

• Initial system diagrams or flowcharts

• Research grant proposals based on the formulated concept

TRL 2: Technology Concept Formulated is where innovative thinking meets strategic planning. While still early in the development pipeline, it’s a crucial step in transforming theoretical knowledge into actionable, potentially impactful technology.

By formulating robust concepts, assessing feasibility, and identifying relevant applications, teams set themselves up for success in TRL 3 and beyond.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Puentes Viana

Marketing Specialist

Andrea  is a marketing specialist with a passion for innovation and technology adoption. She focuses on helping businesses effectively communicate their value propositions and reach the right audience through strategic marketing initiatives.