Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a scale from 1 to 9 that measures the degree of maturity and technical risk of a new technology. It is a standardized tool, originally from NASA, used to assess how far an innovation has progressed from basic research (TRL 1) to finished product in an operational environment (TRL 9). TRL scale (1-9) TRL 1: Basic principles observed. TRL 2: Technology concept and/or application is formulated. TRL 3: Experimental evidence is available (applied research/lab test). TRL 4: The technology validated in a laboratory environment.TRL 5: The technology validated in a relevant environment (large-scale prototype). TRL 6: The technology demonstrated in a relevant environment. TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in the intended environment. TRL 8: System complete and confirmed. TRL 9: The system proven in an operational environment (commercial product).

The Intellectual Property Rights Readiness Level (IPRL) is a maturity system for assessing how well an innovation is protected by intellectual property rights (IPR), developed to match technological maturity (TRL). It is used to systematically identify, strategically manage and secure protection (patents, trademarks, etc.) from early conception to commercialization, often structured in levels 1–9. IPRL scale 1-9 IPRL 1-2 (Idea/Concept): Hypotheses about possible intellectual property rights (patents, designs, trade secrets) are formulated and ownership is clarified. IPRL 3-4 (Verification): Detailed description of key assets and initial searches (novelty survey) are conducted to confirm the possibility of protection. IPRL 5-6 (Strategy/Application): IPR strategy is designed, the first patent applications are filed and the business relevance of the protection is determined. IPRL 7-8 (Implementation): All relevant rights are filed (national/regional phase) and a full freedom-to-operate analysis is conducted. IPRL 9 (Market): Strong IPR support and protection for the business is in place, with patents granted and maintained in relevant countries. Source: KTH Innovation

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IVA's List for Research Impact 2026

IVA's List for Research Impact

We are now seeking candidates for IVA's List for Research Impact. The IVA List highlights current research projects within the field of engineering sciences, conducted at Swedish universities and research institutes, that show a clear ambition to be commercialised. The research should be ready to generate impact within the foreseeable future. The application period is open from 4 February to 20 February 2026.

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Published: 04 February 2026 Last Updated: 10 February 2026

The IVA List aims to highlight current research projects in engineering sciences that demonstrate a clear ambition to be commercialised and that have the potential to become new innovations for industry and society.

The application period is open from 4 February to 20 February 2026.

The selection for the list, which will be published in the spring, is made by a qualified Selection Group composed with people from IVA's broad network.

The applying researcher or research team should be based within the scientific discipline of engineering sciences, and may also work in an interdisciplinary way with other scientific fields to address pressing societal challenges and strengthen the competitiveness of industry. The research projects should draw on knowledge, perspectives and methods from several different academic disciplines in order to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

The IVA List provides support to research projects on their journey from scientific breakthrough to tangible societal and market impact – through national visibility, access to relevant meeting arenas and networks, and the opportunity to take part in tailored activities organised by IVA.

The application to the IVA list is open to:

Current and ongoing research at Swedish universities and research institutes.
Research projects with Technology Readiness Level, TRL, 3-7 and Intellectual Property Rights Level, IPRL, 2-4 in the first place - but researchers across the entire range of the scales are encouraged to apply.
Research projects with a desire to be commercialized.
Research in the following engineering sub-disciplines:
- Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems
- Advanced digital technology and electronics
- Biotechnology and Life Science
- Construction technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Quantum technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials and Production Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering

Please note that it is the individual researcher or research team who applies, not the university or research institute.

Apply to the IVA List

To the application portal

Nominate someone for the IVA List

To the nomination form

What does TRL and IPRL mean?

What does TRL mean?

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a scale from 1 to 9 that measures the degree of maturity and technical risk of a new technology. It is a standardized tool, originally from NASA, used to assess how far an innovation has progressed from basic research (TRL 1) to finished product in an operational environment (TRL 9).

TRL scale (1-9)

TRL 1: Basic principles observed.
TRL 2: Technology concept and/or application is formulated.
TRL 3: Experimental evidence is available (applied research/lab test).
TRL 4: The technology validated in a laboratory environment.
TRL 5: The technology validated in a relevant environment (large-scale prototype).
TRL 6: The technology demonstrated in a relevant environment.
TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in the intended environment.
TRL 8: System complete and confirmed.
TRL 9: The system proven in an operational environment (commercial product).

What does IPRL mean?

The Intellectual Property Rights Readiness Level (IPRL) is a maturity system for assessing how well an innovation is protected by intellectual property rights (IPR), developed to match technological maturity (TRL). It is used to systematically identify, strategically manage and secure protection (patents, trademarks, etc.) from early conception to commercialization, often structured in levels 1–9.

IPRL scale 1-9

IPRL 1-2 (Idea/Concept): Hypotheses about possible intellectual property rights (patents, designs, trade secrets) are formulated and ownership is clarified.
IPRL 3-4 (Verification): Detailed description of key assets and initial searches (novelty survey) are conducted to confirm the possibility of protection.
IPRL 5-6 (Strategy/Application): IPR strategy is designed, the first patent applications are filed and the business relevance of the protection is determined.
IPRL 7-8 (Implementation): All relevant rights are filed (national/regional phase) and a full freedom-to-operate analysis is conducted.
IPRL 9 (Market): Strong IPR support and protection for the business is in place, with patents granted and maintained in relevant countries.

Source: KTH Innovation

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IVA's List for Research Impact

The application to the IVA list is open to:

What does TRL and IPRL mean?

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