The Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) Programme

Strengthen your innovation. Improve your funding readiness. Learn how to take your idea to market.

The Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) Programme is an optional online training designed to help applicants improve how they structure, present, and commercialise their innovations for funding, partnerships, and scale.

This programme supports innovators to better articulate the value, readiness, and commercial potential of their solutions — skills that are essential for attracting grants, investors, and strategic partners.

Programme Highlights

• Practical training on innovation commercialisation and market readiness
• Guidance on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)and how to position your innovation
• Structured approach to grant and funding application design
• Techniques for presenting innovations to funders and investors
• International academic certification upon completion

Delivery & Certification

• Mode: Online (virtual sessions)
• Certificate: Certificate of Completion
• Issued by: Teesside University, United Kingdom

Cost

• ₦20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira only)

Who Should Enroll?

• Innovators and startups seeking funding or grants
• Researchers aiming to commercialise research outputs
• Early-stage founders looking to improve investor readiness
• Applicants who want to strengthen how their innovation is presented

Participation is open to all applicants to the 2026 Innovation Challenge.

Important Notice (Please Read Carefully)

Participation in the Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) Programme is entirely optional.

• It is not required to submit an application
• It does not influence selection decisions
• It does not guarantee funding, awards, or advancement
• Selection into the Innovation Challenge remains strictly merit-based

The programme is offered  as a capacity-building opportunity to support applicants’ learning and innovation readiness.

How to Participate

You may choose to enrol during registration or proceed without the training.

• Opt in and pay ₦20,000to enrol in the TRL Programme (Email someone to pay on your behalf )
• Skip and continue applicationif you do not wish to participate

Your choice will not affect your eligibility for the Innovation Challenge.