National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF)

India took a major step towards strengthening its innovation ecosystem with the unveiling of the National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) on December 29, 2025. The framework aims to create a uniform, objective and evidence-based system to assess the maturity of technologies—from early laboratory research to full-scale commercial deployment.

Developed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), NTRAF seeks to bridge long-standing gaps between researchers, industry, investors and government funding agencies.

What is the National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework?

The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework is a structured evaluation system designed to measure how close a technology is to real-world application. It standardises the assessment of innovation projects across nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), ensuring consistency in how readiness claims are evaluated nationwide.

The draft framework is open for public consultation till January 31, 2026, reflecting the government’s intent to adopt an inclusive and transparent policy approach.

Objectives of NTRAF

The core objective of NTRAF is to ensure that technology maturity claims are credible, comparable and verifiable.

Key objectives include:

• Establishing unified standards for assessing R&D and deep-tech projects

• Providing an operational basis for public funding under national missions

• Ensuring startups claiming to be “deployment-ready” can achieve industrial-scale validation

• Reducing uncertainty and risk in technology commercialisation

By aligning scientific progress with market feasibility, the framework enhances confidence across the innovation value chain.

Methodology: Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)

NTRAF adopts a nine-level Technology Readiness Level (TRL) methodology, adapted to India’s R&D environment.

TRL Classification

• TRL 1–3: Proof of concept and early-stage research validation

• TRL 4–6: Prototype development, laboratory testing and field trials

• TRL 7–9: Pilot deployment, operational validation and market readiness

This structured approach enables funding agencies to allocate resources accurately, while helping private investors de-risk early-stage technologies.

Why India Needed a National Technology Readiness Framework

India’s deep-tech ecosystem has historically suffered from a lack of common language between academia and industry.

Key Challenges

• Researchers and investors used different benchmarks for technology readiness

• A persistent funding gap between TRL 4 and TRL 7, often referred to as the “valley of death”

• Promising technologies stalled due to subjective risk perceptions

• Ambiguity in technology transfer and scaling

How NTRAF Solves the Problem

• Introduces objective, evidence-based assessment

• Bridges the gap between research claims and investor expectations

• Coordinates laboratories, startups, industry and government around a single readiness metric

• Ensures funding supports not just scientific novelty, but market-ready solutions

Key Features of the National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework

1. Global Best Practices with Indian Customisation

NTRAF draws inspiration from international models such as NASA’s TRL system, while adapting them to India’s regulatory, industrial and innovation ecosystem.

2. Objectivity Over Subjectivity

• Uses structured checklists and measurable indicators

• Minimises reliance on qualitative or perception-based evaluations

3. Sector-Specific Assessment

• Includes specialised appendices for sectors like:

  • Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

  • Software and digital technologies

• Acknowledges that development cycles vary across sectors

4. Self-Assessment Tool for Innovators

• Enables startups and researchers to evaluate their readiness independently

• Helps identify technology, validation and scaling gaps before seeking funding

Significance of NTRAF for India

• Strengthens India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem

• Improves efficiency and accountability of public R&D funding

• Enhances investor confidence in Indian technologies

• Accelerates the lab-to-market journey

• Supports national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The Way Forward

For maximum impact:

• Technology readiness and market validation must progress in parallel, especially beyond TRL 4

• A pilot implementation phase can help refine assessment criteria

• Continuous stakeholder feedback will ensure the framework evolves with India’s dynamic innovation landscape

Conclusion

The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) marks a paradigm shift in India’s innovation governance. By introducing a common language of technology maturity, it promises to unlock stalled innovations, de-risk investments and accelerate India’s transition from a research-driven economy to a global technology leader.

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