Everyone talks about innovation, but very few see it as a complete process. For researchers, it often starts with a good question. For entrepreneurs – with a clear need. But between idea and product, between lab and market, there’s a long, risky, and often empty road.
That road has a name: Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) – a 9-step system that measures how close a technology is to real-world use. In Romania, many promising ideas never make it past TRL3 or TRL4. Not because they lack value – but because key support infrastructure is missing.
TRL1–3: The idea stage
It starts in the lab: observation, fundamental research, discovering principles. But even here, support matters:
– who helps you protect your IP?
– assess market potential?
– turn it into a fundable project?
In the past years, Iceberg+ worked with universities to bring entrepreneurial thinking into research. Students, professors, and communities were connected through practical, structured learning.
At TECHConnect We host direct conversations between researchers, IP experts and deep tech entrepreneurs.
TRL4–6: The risk zone
You have a functional concept or even a prototype. But:
– can you test it in real conditions?
– do you have a validation partner?
– do you know who your first adopter might b
In Brașov, the Smart City Living Lab coordinated by Iceberg+ enabled real-world testing of mobility solutions, including a cargo-bike system piloted with the municipality.
At TECHConnect We host direct conversations between researchers, IP experts and deep tech entrepreneurs.
TRL7–9: Scaling
The technology is validated. Now new questions arise:
– is it scalable?
– is it viable?
– who will adopt it?
Through the inVEST Accelerator program,Iceberg+ helped 17 student-led startups go from MVP to market.
At TECHConnect We organize investor sessions, scale-up workshops, and pitch readiness labs.
An agenda built on TRL
TECHConnect is not just a showcase – it's a platform built on the real journey of innovation. Each session addresses a missing link in the TRL chain.
Who helps you cross the bridge?
No technology reaches the market alone. No innovator should walk the path solo.
TECHConnect builds real bridges between ideas, people and institutions.
