Build in Canada Innovation Program Technology readiness levels

Technology readiness levels

To be eligible for the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP), your innovation must score a technology readiness level that is a 7, 8 or 9 at the time that you submit your bid.

Consult the resource below to determine where your innovation fits.

These are the 9 technology readiness levels, with 1 being the least ready and 9 being already used in real-life conditions.

Levels 1 through 6 represent the early stages of research and development for innovations. Innovations at these levels are not yet eligible for the Build in Canada Innovation Program.

Level 1: Basic principles of concept are observed and reported

Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Activities might include paper studies of a technology's basic properties.

Level 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated

Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.

Level 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept

Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and/or laboratory studies. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

Level 4: Component and/or validation in a laboratory environment

Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of "ad hoc" hardware in the laboratory.

Level 5: Component and/or validation in a simulated environment

The basic technological components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.

Level 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a simulated environment

A model or prototype that represents a near desired configuration. Activities include testing in a simulated operational environment or laboratory.

Levels 7 through 9 represent the pre-commercialization gap for innovations. These are the three levels where innovations are eligible for the Build in Canada Innovation Program.

Level 7: Prototype ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment

Prototype at planned operational level and is ready for demonstration in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.

Level 8: Actual technology completed and qualified through tests and demonstrations

Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Activities include developmental testing and evaluation of whether it will meet operational requirements.

Level 9: Actual technology proven through successful deployment in an operational setting

Actual application of the technology in its final form and under real-life conditions, such as those encountered in operational tests and evaluations. Activities include using the innovation under operational conditions.

Ready innovations

At a minimum, your innovation must be in the prototype phase, level 7, to be eligible for testing by a federal department.

As well, it must be ready for use, that is, it must be at a level of development where it can be used in an operational setting. The BCIP allows for small-scale customizations to specific operational requirements or slight adjustments to address technical compatibility issues.

Sales for testing purposes

Innovations with a limited number of sales for testing purposes are still eligible for the BCIP, as long as the innovation is still in levels 7, 8 or 9 and has not been sold on the market.