National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF)

Context

The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India has unveiled the National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) to establish a uniform, evidence-based system for assessing technology maturity across India’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem.

About National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF):

What it is

The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF) is a standardised and objective framework designed to evaluate the maturity of technologies across nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), ranging from early-stage laboratory research to full-scale commercial deployment.

Ministry / Department

• Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), Government of India
• Developed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Aim

• Establish a common assessment language among researchers, investors, and policymakers
• Enable evidence-based funding decisions under national R&D and mission-mode programmes
• Address the “Valley of Death” (TRL 4–7) by de-risking promising deep-tech innovations

Key Features

• TRL-based assessment: Covers the full innovation lifecycle—from Proof of Concept (TRL 1–3) to Prototype Development (TRL 4–6) and Operational Deployment (TRL 7–9)
• Objective evaluation: Uses structured, measurable checklists instead of subjective narrative assessments
• Global best practices with Indian adaptation: Based on international models such as NASA’s TRL framework, customised for India’s R&D and industrial ecosystem
• Sector-specific annexures: Provides tailored assessment pathways for sectors like Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals and Software, recognising sectoral variations
• Self-assessment mechanism: Helps researchers and startups identify technical gaps prior to funding applications

Significance

• Improves efficiency and accountability in public R&D expenditure
• Enhances private sector confidence by offering transparent and investment-ready technology benchmarks

Conclusion

By institutionalising a transparent and standardised approach to technology maturity assessment, NTRAF strengthens India’s innovation pipeline, bridges the gap between research and commercialization, and supports the country’s transition towards a self-reliant, deep-tech–driven economy.

Source : PIB