The government has introduced a new framework aimed at assessing the maturity of technology projects from initial development to commercial implementation. This framework, open for public feedback until January 31, 2026, is designed to support R&D funds under National Missions. It categorizes projects into nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) to aid in precise resource allocation and reduce risks for early-stage technologies seeking private investment.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the government, stressed the importance of a standardized language for both researchers and investors. He highlighted the challenge of differing perspectives between academia and industry, particularly between TRL 4 and TRL 7, where funding uncertainties often arise. The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) aims to shift from subjective assessments to evidence-based evaluations, promoting scalable, market-ready solutions.
The document, described as a crucial resource for the scientific community, aims to bridge the gap between researchers’ claims of readiness and investors’ expectations for proof. Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the PSA (OPSA), emphasized the significance of establishing a common understanding of technology maturity to enhance communication and decision-making processes. Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), highlighted the importance of aligning technology readiness with market validation, especially post-TRL 4.
Experts also proposed a pilot phase involving 20 selected technologies for cross-validation by the NRDC to refine and validate the framework before widespread adoption. They underlined the industry’s pivotal role in shaping the tool, ensuring that startups claiming deployment readiness adhere to rigorous industrial standards.
