The innovation Flow

The maturity of a particular technology is defined by its Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This method was developed at NASA in the 1970s and today provides a common understanding of technology status and addresses the entire innovation chain.

The scale is based on nine steps, with TRL 1 being the lowest and TRL 9 the highest.

Levels 1 to 4 are typical of fundamental research carried by universities, which range from the inception of a novel idea or technology, up to its proof of concept. Levels 8 to 9 are devoted to the industrialization and commercialization of a product, where companies usually develop their business.

Levels 5 to 7 are commonly the hardest step to overcome, and represent a hard selection phase for new technologies, often called the “death valley”. At this stage, usually relevant investments are required, jointly with a deep knowledge of both the industrial and research worlds, to enable the development of technologies which are not only technically sound but also robust enough to face real world challenges.

The JOiiNT LAB activity focuses on applied research, bridging academic research and industrial needs, and facilitating technology transfer and innovation.