NRDC launches NETRA to bolster technology readiness assessment in India

New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and support the seamless transition of technologies from the lab to the market, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) has launched the National Establishment for Technology Readiness Assessment (NETRA). This dedicated facility aims to provide structured evaluations of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), helping innovators, researchers, and industries assess the maturity of technologies under development.

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The initiative underscores the growing importance of TRL assessments in facilitating informed decision-making, guiding R&D strategies, and enhancing the prospects of successful market adoption. TRL is a globally recognised nine-point scale that measures the developmental stage of a technology—from basic principles being observed (TRL 1) to actual system proven in operational environment (TRL 9). First developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the 1970s, the framework has since been widely adopted across industries to map innovation trajectories.

By offering a comprehensive overview of technology maturity, TRL assessment supports effective planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. In areas such as pharmaceuticals, where products must progress through multiple phases of clinical trials, identifying the correct TRL ensures timely regulatory involvement and risk mitigation. For start-ups and individual inventors, TRL evaluation provides clarity for funding agencies to gauge financial needs and development timelines.

NETRA, set up by NRDC, is positioned to serve this critical need across domains of science and technology. In collaboration with the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), which acts as the knowledge partner, NETRA evaluates TRLs and issues official certification to technology developers. These certifications not only validate the progress of innovations but also enhance credibility among investors, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.

In addition to TRL certification, the NETRA facility offers an integrated suite of services, including Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) valuation, Technology Risk Assessment Reports (TRA), and Technology Maturation Plans (TMP). These services aid in strategic decision-making, particularly for investment planning, mergers and acquisitions, licensing arrangements, and long-term product roadmaps.

“Technology development at the right pace is essential to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions to society. By accurately assessing the maturity of technologies, we can enable smoother transitions from concept to commercialisation,” said an NRDC spokesperson.

The launch of NETRA marks a significant step in institutionalising technology readiness assessments in India and supports the country’s larger vision of becoming a global innovation hub by ensuring that technological advancements are robust, market-ready, and scalable.

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