Basics
The vocabulary of innovation, in plain words.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
A 1–9 scale from NASA / EU that tells the world how mature a technology is. Innovion picks it up automatically as you clear phases.
Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research. Idea only.
Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented.
Active R&D. Analytical & lab studies validate predictions.
Basic components integrated to establish that pieces work together. Low-fidelity prototype.
Fidelity of the prototype increases significantly. Tested in a simulated environment.
A representative prototype is tested in a relevant environment. Major step up.
Prototype near or at planned operational system.
Technology proven to work in its final form under expected conditions.
Actual application of the technology in its final form under mission conditions.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
The smallest, ugliest experiment that answers: can this idea even work? One risky assumption, one experiment, one metric. If it fails, you saved months of building.
Prototype
A working demo that shows a real user flow end-to-end. Narrower than a product, wider than a PoC. Judges and users touch it.
Pitch
3 minutes, problem-first. Not a product tour — a story about a pain, a proof, and a plan. Anticipate the five hardest questions before you go on stage.
References & prior art
Papers, patents, and existing products in your space. Use Perplexity, Elicit, Google Patents, Semantic Scholar. Cite honestly; it makes your novelty claim credible.
Build reviews
Time-boxed project reviews where teams show evidence, a demo, and a clear next step. Great forcing function, great portfolio, great learning loop.
User validation
Talking to 5+ real people from your target group before you build. Capture verbatim quotes, not "my friends liked it".
Ready to start?
Create your first project — Innovion takes it from there.