Where LDV begins
Level 6
Demonstrated in a relevant environment
Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment.
What proves it
Technology readiness
Nine levels. We begin at six.
Technology readiness levels, TRL, grade a technology from a first observation to proven use. LDV represents technology at level 6 and above: demonstrated in a relevant environment, in operation, qualified, or already in use. Choose a tier of the pyramid to read what each level means and what proves it.
The pyramid
From first principle to proven use.
Five tiers of stone, four of gold. The gold is where LDV works.
Level 6 of 9
The scale was devised at NASA in the 1970s and is used today by the European Commission, by defence ministries and across industry. Sectors word the levels a little differently; the definitions above follow the European Commission's.
Why six
What changes at the sixth tier.
The question changes
Below six the question is still whether a technology works. From six on, the question is where it should work next, and that is our question.
An adopter can see it
A large company's engineers can inspect a demonstration, measure it and run a trial on their own lines. Nobody has to take anyone's word.
The road is countable
From six, the path to production has known steps: an operational trial, qualification, a supply or licence agreement. We can set milestones against it and be paid against them.
Find your level
Four questions, one tier.
Answer for the whole system, not its best component.
The finder runs on your device; your answers never leave it.
Question I
Has the whole system run outside the laboratory, in conditions like the real ones?
Your level
Level 6: demonstrated in a relevant environment
We can take it to market.
Need a technology that already works?
Every candidate we show a large company stands at six or above, with the evidence beside it.