Everyone talks about innovation, but very few see it as a complete process. For researchers, it often starts with a good question. For entrepreneurs \u2013 with a clear need. But between idea and product, between lab and market, there\u2019s a long, risky, and often empty road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That road has a name: Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) \u2013 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 \u2013 but because key support infrastructure is missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TRL1\u20133: The idea stage<\/strong> TRL4\u20136: The risk zone<\/strong>
It starts in the lab: observation, fundamental research, discovering principles. But even here, support matters:
\u2013 who helps you protect your IP?
\u2013 assess market potential?
\u2013 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<\/strong> We host direct conversations between researchers, IP experts and deep tech entrepreneurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have a functional concept or even a prototype. But:
\u2013 can you test it in real conditions?
\u2013 do you have a validation partner?
\u2013 do you know who your first adopter might b
In Bra\u0219ov, 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<\/strong> We host direct conversations between researchers, IP experts and deep tech entrepreneurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n