Is a New Framework Set to Standardize Innovation Assessment and Strengthen the Deeptech Ecosystem?
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Synopsis
The Indian government has introduced a groundbreaking framework to standardize the assessment of technology readiness. This initiative aims to foster communication between academia and industry, reducing funding gaps for early-stage technologies. With public feedback open until January 31, 2026, the framework seeks to transform the deeptech ecosystem in India.
Key Takeaways
- New Framework: Aims to standardize technology readiness assessment.
- Public Consultation: Open until January 31, 2026.
- Technology Readiness Levels: Evaluates projects from lab to market.
- Bridging Gaps: Enhances communication between academia and industry.
- Focus on Validation: Ensures market readiness of innovations.
New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The government has announced a revolutionary framework aimed at creating a consistent and objective metric for evaluating the maturity of technology projects, spanning from initial laboratory ideas to their eventual commercial launch.
This innovative framework is currently open for public feedback until January 31, 2026, and is designed to be the foundational structure for various R&D funding initiatives under the National Missions.
By implementing a systematic approach to evaluate projects across nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) — from Proof of Concept (TRL 1-3) to Prototype Development (TRL 4-6) and Operational Deployment (TRL 7-9) — this framework will assist funding organizations in more accurately distributing resources and mitigating risks associated with early-stage technologies for private investors.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the government, underscored the urgent requirement for a common vocabulary between researchers and investors. He noted that the Indian deeptech ecosystem has long endured a challenging landscape where academia and industry communicate in disjointed terms regarding technology readiness.
“This disconnect often leads to a 'Valley of Death' between TRL 4 and TRL 7, where funding diminishes due to perceived risks. The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) transitions us from subjective narratives to tangible evidence, ensuring we aren’t merely financing scientific inquiries but rather scalable, market-ready innovations,” he remarked during the unveiling.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary of the Office of the PSA (OPSA), referred to the document as a “comprehensive guide” for the scientific sector, indicating, “By creating a common language surrounding technology maturity, we aim to eliminate the often-subjective divide between a researcher’s assertion of readiness and an investor’s or evaluator’s demand for evidence.”
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), accentuated that technology readiness must align with market validation, especially beyond TRL 4.
He proposed a pilot phase where 20 selected technologies could be cross-validated by the NRDC to fine-tune and rigorously test the framework prior to wider implementation.
Experts stressed the industry’s crucial involvement in shaping this tool, asserting that its stringent criteria guarantee that any startup claiming to be ‘deployment-ready’ achieves authentic industrial-grade validation.
Point of View
The introduction of the National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) marks a pivotal moment for India's deeptech landscape. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to fostering innovation and bridging the communication gap between academia and industry. By establishing a clear evaluation metric, NTRAF promises to invigorate funding for emerging technologies, ultimately enhancing India's position in the global tech ecosystem.
NationPress
30/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new framework?
The framework aims to create a standardized measure for assessing the maturity of technology projects, facilitating better funding decisions.
How long is the public consultation period?
The public consultation for the framework is open until January 31, 2026.
What are the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)?
TRL is a scale that ranges from Proof of Concept (TRL 1-3) to Operational Deployment (TRL 7-9), used to evaluate the progress of technology projects.
Who are the key figures behind this initiative?
Key figures include Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser, and Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary of the Office of the PSA.
What is the significance of the 'Valley of Death'?
The 'Valley of Death' refers to the funding gap that often occurs between TRL 4 and TRL 7, where risk perception can hinder financial support.
