Technology Validation Framework: TRL 5–6 & Investment Roadmap
- Current validation status (TRL 5–6) and the supporting evidence base
- Scientific and engineering foundations of the architecture
- IP protection and patent strategy
- Planned path to commercialisation (TRL 6 → 7 → 8–9)
It is important to underline that in VENDOR systems energy is not created inside the device and does not originate from air or the surrounding environment. The technology is classified as a classical open electrodynamic system operating strictly within established physical laws.
In this architecture, air or any other surrounding medium is not a fuel and not an energy source.
The role of the medium is limited to providing electrical boundary conditions that allow the system
to enter and maintain a stable operating regime.
The quantity of the medium, its motion, or any assumed “energy content” do not determine output power,
as the interaction is non-mechanical and governed by field conditions.
This class of behaviour is well known in physics and engineering. In open electrodynamic systems, performance is defined by operating conditions and boundary parameters, rather than by consumption of the surrounding medium itself.
In practical terms:
- the system does not extract energy from air or the environment;
- the surrounding medium functions only as a coupling environment enabling stable electrical regimes.
Accordingly, the medium is neither consumed nor depleted during operation. It does not act as a power source and does not impose volumetric or energetic limits on the system.
The two most common questions — “Where does the energy come from?” and “Is there enough medium?” — are addressed as follows:
- energy is accounted for through the complete external balance of an open system, including defined electrical inputs and boundary-mediated exchange terms, not from the surrounding medium;
- the medium’s role is qualitative, related to electrical boundary conditions and regime stability, not quantitative supply.
This interpretation is fully consistent with classical electrodynamics and does not require revision of fundamental physical laws.
Energy Model Clarification
VENDOR operates as an open electrodynamic system. Its behaviour is defined by explicitly controlled electrical boundary conditions and external inputs, not by any form of environmental “fuel”. The ionised region and the surrounding medium do not supply energy; they serve only as the physical environment in which the resonant circuitry reaches and maintains a stable operating regime.
When we state “no fuel”, we refer to the absence of chemical fuels, combustion processes, stored electrochemical charge, or controlled photon flux. The system does not use air as an energy source. In ionisation-based architectures, the medium participates solely by providing the electrical properties required for field formation and stable discharge dynamics, without contributing net energy to the system.
Because the system is classified as an open physical system, validation is performed using an open-system measurement framework. Independent laboratory testing quantifies all energy inputs and outputs under controlled conditions, defines system boundaries, and verifies that observed behaviour is consistent with classical electrodynamics.
The TRL Framework: De-risking Deep Tech Investments
Deep-tech investors don’t just ask “What’s your TRL?” — they ask:
“What exactly has been proven, what can still break, and how is my downside protected?”
VENDOR uses the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework not as a buzzword,
but as the backbone of how we plan R&D, structure funding rounds, and model risk.
Our goal is simple: turn a non-obvious solid-state energy architecture into
an investable, certifiable product path with transparent gates and evidence.
Current Status: TRL 5–6 Transition & Funding Gates
- TRL 5 — Technology validated in a relevant laboratory environment Solid-state discharge architecture reproduced; 1,000+ hours of operation across prior-generation prototypes; stability and safety behaviour characterised in relevant lab conditions.
- TRL 6 (in progress) — System-level workbench prototype Full-stack bench system under validation; CE/UL pathway pre-dossier under construction; independent lab spot-checks planned within SAFE round.
| Round | Capital | TRL Gate | Gate Criteria (Must Be Achieved Before Next Round) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAFE | €1.0M | TRL 6 | >1,000 hours of bench-level stability under controlled conditions; reproducible prototype configuration; CE/UL pre-audit readiness package prepared; certification pathway defined; core technical team retained. |
| SEED | €7.5M | TRL 7 | 8+ active pilot deployments; >500 hours of data collected per site; Zero pilot manufacturing capacity demonstrated (>500 units/month); CE pre-audit readiness confirmed; pilot ARR €0.2–0.5M; ~24 FTE team in place. |
| JOINT | €9.5M | TRL 8 | Max system submitted to certification processes (CE + UL + ISO); OEM letters of intent signed; manufacturing yield demonstrated at ≥94%; ARR €1.5–2.3M; infrastructure prepared for scaling. |
| Series A | €45–60M | TRL 8+ | Commercial scaling toward 50k+ Zero units/year and 250+ Max units/year; demonstrated visibility toward €5–10M ARR and a defined profitability horizon. |
Validation Evidence: Physics, Market & Regulatory Data
1. Physics & Architecture
- Solid-state ion–impulse discharge architecture validated on prior-generation prototypes with >1,000 hours cumulative runtime.
- Scaling model from micro-power (VENDOR.Zero) to kW-class (VENDOR.Max) based on modular cascade architecture, no moving parts or fuel logistics.
2. Market & SOM Anchors
- Consolidated 2033 SOM corridor €13.3–14.1B (OEM Base Case) across VENDOR.Zero and VENDOR.Max.
- Audit-grade TAM/SAM/SOM models with 12 IoT application domains for Zero and 11 infrastructure segments for Max.
3. IP & Regulatory Pathway
- One granted national patent (Spain) and a consolidated PCT family in EU, US, China and India.
- CE/UL certification roadmap defined with external notified bodies and compliance consultants; pre-audit pathway cleared; budget reserved in SAFE/SEED/JOINT.
4. Institutional Risk Register
- 21 risks mapped (3 critical, 6 high, 7 medium, 5 low) with documented mitigation strategies and contingency reserves.
- Critical risks explicitly named (TRL failure, OEM partner failure, certification blockage) with owners, timelines and escalation paths.
Manufacturing Readiness (MRL): Path to Scale
- MRL 3–4 (current): Manufacturing proof-of-concept; DFM iterations; BOM stability; sub-assembly processes defined; early engagement with EMS/OEM partners.
- MRL 5–6 (Seed Round target): VENDOR.Zero pilot manufacturing (≥500 units/month); process capability studies (Cpk > 1.33); supplier qualification; first quality automation (AOI/ICT).
- MRL 7–8 (Joint Round target): OEM integration readiness for both Zero and Max; 3+ Tier-1/Tier-2 EMS partners qualified; manufacturing yield ≥94%.
- MRL 9 (Series A+): Full-rate production: 50k+ Zero units/year and 250+ Max units/year; fully industrialised manufacturing chain.
Commercial Readiness (CRL): Market Validation
Commercial maturity is assessed via CRL, aligned with our market models and P&L projections:
- CRL 2–3 (current):
Validated market models; consolidated SOM 2033 of €13.3–14.1B; 12 IoT domains
(Zero) and 11 infrastructure segments (Max); comparative TCO advantage vs
batteries, solar and diesel systems. - CRL 4 (Seed Round target):
Paying pilot partners (8+); early ARR (€0.2–0.5M); field data (>500 hours per site);
repeatable use-cases in key verticals. - CRL 5–6 (Joint Round target):
OEM distribution channels; multi-year service contracts; €1.5–2.3M revenue;
documented CAC/LTV and retention metrics. - CRL 7–8 (Series A):
Full commercial rollout; multi-country deployments; predictable revenue
and margin structure.
IP Readiness (IRL): Patent Portfolio WO2024209235
IP is treated as a separate readiness dimension, critical for OEM manufacturing and strategic exits:
- IRL 6 (current): Granted national patent (Spain); active PCT family; national phase entries in EU, US, China and India; freedom-to-operate review conducted with no blocking prior art identified to date; claims cover core architecture and cascade energy exchange.
- IRL 7–8 (Seed → Joint): Expansion of national phases; continuation filings; defensive patents; manufacturing-side claims securing the supply chain and OEM integration.
- IRL 9 (pre-Series A): Fully enforceable IP position across major markets and key manufacturing hubs, subject to jurisdictional procedures and enforcement timelines.
Business Readiness (BRL): Model Maturity
While TRL focuses on technology, BRL describes the maturity of the business model and go-to-market engine:
- BRL 3–4 (current):
Complete business model; validated SOM/TAM; exit scenarios; risk-adjusted P&L
across Conservative / Base / Optimistic scenarios. - BRL 5–6 (Seed target):
First paying pilots; customer validation; repeatable use-cases in multiple
verticals; early metrics on willingness-to-pay. - BRL 7–8 (Joint target):
OEM partnerships; distribution channels; stable service revenue; predictable
renewal dynamics. - BRL 9 (Series A+):
Proven product–market fit across several geographies; scalable commercial organisation.
Integrated Readiness Map
(TRL × MRL × CRL × IRL)
| Round | TRL Target | MRL Target | CRL Target | IP Level | What This Enables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAFE | TRL 6 | MRL 3–4 | CRL 2–3 | IRL 6 | Bench validation; CE/UL pathway cleared; core IP family established; risk register and market models in place. |
| SEED | TRL 7 | MRL 5–6 | CRL 4 | IRL 7 | Pilots with paying customers; field validation; Zero manufacturing ramp; deeper IP coverage; early revenue. |
| JOINT | TRL 8 | MRL 7–8 | CRL 5–6 | IRL 8 | Max certification (CE + UL + ISO); OEM LOIs; ARR €1.5–2.3M; OEM-ready manufacturing; clear commercial channels. |
| Series A | TRL 8+ | MRL 9 | CRL 7–8 | IRL 9 | Global scaling; multi-country deployments; full-rate production; multi-year contracts; path to profitability. |
Financial Scenarios: 2033 SOM & EBITDA Modeling
To avoid “single-number” forecasts, VENDOR models three scenarios explicitly tied to
validated SOM (2033), TRL gates, OEM scaling and risk register assumptions:
| Scenario | Probability | 2033 Revenue | 2033 EBITDA | Exit Value | FCF+ Achieved | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 30% | €32M | €5.4M | €0.3–0.5B | 2030 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Base Case ★ | 50% | €380M | €79.8M | €1.9–2.6B | 2029 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Optimistic | 20% | €550M | €181.5M | €3.3–4.4B | 2028 | 7.0 / 10 |
These scenarios are illustrative technical-economic models and do not constitute financial advice, investment solicitation, or guaranteed outcomes.
The Base Case (50% probability) assumes:
- TRL 8 achieved on schedule (JOINT gate passed) with certified Max and scaled Zero.
- OEM manufacturing de-bottlenecked with Tier-1/Tier-2 EMS partners.
- 3.6% SOM capture — below typical 5–10% for category leaders in similar markets.
- EBITDA margin ≈ 21% in 2033 with a blended hardware + service revenue structure.
This is not a “100× unicorn promise” — it is a risk-adjusted outcome that remains attractive
even if execution lands closer to the Conservative case.
Forward-Looking Statements
These financial projections represent management’s good-faith estimates based on:
- validated 2033 SOM (€13.3–14.1B OEM Base Case),
- comparable company benchmarks in distributed energy and industrial hardware,
- staged SAFE → SEED → JOINT → Series A funding path,
- realistic manufacturing, certification and OEM ramp timelines.
Key assumptions include:
- successful completion of TRL 6, 7 and 8 gates on the current schedule,
- CE/UL/ISO certifications without fundamental redesign of the core architecture,
- OEM partnerships signed on commercially reasonable terms,
- market adoption broadly following historical hardware+service adoption curves.
Risk factors: regulatory delays, OEM or manufacturing setbacks,
slower-than-expected market adoption, competitive responses and macroeconomic shocks.
A detailed risk register, mitigation strategies and contingency reserves are available
in the investor data room.
Even in the Conservative scenario (30% probability), the model delivers positive free cash flow
from 2030 and a €0.3–0.5B exit corridor — while the Base Case illustrates the upside
if technology, manufacturing and commercialisation progress as planned.
Technology Readiness Level (NASA/DoE Standard)
Technology Readiness Level
From Concept to Commercial Deployment
What TRL 5 Means
"Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Basic technological components are integrated so they can be tested in a simulated or actual operational environment."
-
DONESystem-level prototypes validated (not just lab components)
-
DONE1,000+ hours of continuous operation measured via calibrated instrumentation (voltage/current logging, thermal profiles, environmental monitoring)
-
DONEMulti-module synchronization demonstrated (parallel operation up to 6-module clusters)
-
DONEConsistent performance across test conditions (temperature, humidity, load profiles)
-
TRL 6Not yet operational-environment pilots (TRL 6 — planned as prototypes mature)
-
TRL 8Not yet certified (CE/UL at TRL 8 — targeted in the certification phase)
-
TRL 7–8Not yet manufacturing-ready (production validation at TRL 7–8)
-
TRL 9Not yet commercially deployed (TRL 9 — post-certification commercial rollout)
Evidence — What We've Tested
Data Integrity
All validation data follow traceable standards:
- Timestamped records with calibrated instrumentation
- Calibration performed using industrial-grade instrumentation (±0.5% accuracy)
- Reproducible test conditions and documented protocols
- Multiple test cycles confirming consistency
- Environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, pressure)
Test Coverage:
- Environmental conditions (temperature cycling, humidity, altitude simulation)
- Load profiles (IoT-scale to infrastructure-scale)
- Multi-module configurations (single unit to 6-module clusters)
- Long-cycle reliability (continuous operation, thermal stability)
Physics-Compliant Framework
Addressing Core Questions (Summary)
Patent Portfolio & Disclosure Strategy
Why Details Are Protected Now
Standard deep-tech IP strategy:
- Phase 1: File broad patents — WO2024209235
- Phase 2: Validate technology — TRL 5–6, 1000+ hours
- Phase 3: Secure additional patents — national-phase filings and new applications pending
- Phase 4: Expanded disclosure — aligned with certification milestones
What We Share Now:
- Principles of operation
- Validation status and data
- Public patent filings
- Scientific framework
What Requires NDA:
- Detailed schematics
- Control algorithms
- Manufacturing processes
- Specific efficiency metrics
Disclosure Timeline:
- Additional patents pending (national phases in progress)
- Independent validation (DNV/TÜV) planned post-TRL 6 and aligned with partner engagement
- 2026 — Technical documentation available to certified partners
- 2027+ — Expanded disclosure aligned with certification and commercial readiness
Additional disclosure will be sequenced to protect patentability and ensure competitive integrity.
This approach protects breakthrough innovation while enabling legitimate partnerships.
Third-Party Verification Plan
Current Status: TRL 5–6 laboratory validation completed under internal engineering protocols, based on 1,000+ hours of continuous operation across controlled test configurations.
Next Phase: Independent external validation planned following completion of TRL 6 system readiness and aligned with qualified partner engagement, subject to laboratory availability and scope definition.
Planned Independent Validation
- Scope: Performance verification and safety-oriented assessment
- Expected outcome: Independent evaluation report, subject to acceptance and agreed scope
- Timing: Planned following completion of TRL 6 system readiness and laboratory rebuild
- Scope: Technical safety review and EU compliance pre-assessment
- Expected outcome: Pre-compliance feedback and non-binding recommendations, subject to body acceptance
- Timing: Planned as part of certification preparation after TRL 6 readiness
- Scope: Academic-grade reproducibility and measurement validation
- Expected outcome: Research-quality assessment of repeatability under controlled conditions
- Timing: Aligned with prototype maturity and laboratory availability
- Scope: CE conformity assessment (EU) and UL certification processes (US)
- Expected outcome: Certification decisions subject to full compliance with applicable standards
- Timing: Aligned with TRL 7→8 transition and certification readiness
Validation protocols will be aligned with applicable energy system testing standards and open-system measurement frameworks.
Note: Engagement, scope and timing depend on validation body acceptance, prototype readiness and scheduling constraints. VENDOR does not represent or guarantee participation or outcomes at this stage.
Certification Roadmap (Planned)
- Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- RoHS compliance (designed for)
- Applicable Distributed Energy Resources standards
- Relevant electrical safety standards for power systems
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management) — internal management framework aligned with standard requirements
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) — system design aligned for future compliance
- For buyers: A clear regulatory framework enabling lawful deployment
- For investors: Reduced regulatory uncertainty through structured compliance planning
- For partners: Compatibility with established integration and procurement requirements
Transparency — Current vs Planned Status
Validated NOW (Internal, TRL 5–6):
- 1000+ hours of continuous laboratory operation
- Multi-module synchronization
- Repeatable performance under controlled conditions
- Reliability demonstrated across multiple test cycles
Next Phase (External Validation, Post-TRL 6):
- Independent laboratory evaluation planned after TRL 6 and laboratory rebuild (2026+)
- Pre-compliance reviews by notified bodies as part of certification preparation
- Academic collaboration for reproducibility studies (2026–2027)
We’re transparent: TRL 5–6 = internally validated in laboratory conditions. External validation begins only after TRL 6 and prototype readiness.
Why VENDOR Is Built for Long-Term Autonomous Operation
No Moving Parts Zero mechanical wear, maintenance-free, decades-long service life
No Fuel / No Battery Zero logistics dependency, no degradation cycles, no replacement burden
No Hazardous Materials VENDOR contains no combustible fuels, no electrochemical storage, and no hazardous materials
Solid-State Core Environmental resilience, sealed architecture, minimal external sensitivity
Failure-Tolerant Multi-Module N+1 redundancy capable, graceful degradation, hot-swappable design target
Target: 15–20 year operational lifespan with minimal intervention.
From Prototype to Commercial Scale
TRL 1–5: Concept development, laboratory proof-of-principle, component validation, and early system-level evaluation.
Current status: TRL 5–6 internal laboratory validation achieved (1000+ cumulative hours across prior-generation prototypes).
2026 (TRL 6 — Post Laboratory Rebuild)
- Transition toward pilot-oriented prototype configurations
- Controlled-environment pilot trials (target window: 2026)
- Planned engagement with independent validation bodies (e.g. DNV, TÜV, academic laboratories), subject to acceptance and scope definition
- Extended operational and environmental characterization
2027 (TRL 7 — Operational Pilots)
- Limited real-world pilot deployments in selected use cases and environments
- Pre-compliance and conformity-oriented reviews with notified bodies
- Manufacturing readiness assessments and process validation
2028 (TRL 8 — Certification Phase)
- Formal CE and UL certification testing (subject to prototype maturity)
- Pre-commercial demonstrations with qualified partners
- Finalization of product configurations for initial market entry
2028–2029 (TRL 9 — Commercial Readiness)
- Initial commercial deployments following certification
- Progressive production scaling
- Market entry and controlled expansion
Indicative Timeline: Approximately 3–5 years from TRL 5–6 to initial commercial readiness, subject to validation outcomes and regulatory processes.
Risk Evolution:
- TRL 5–6: Primary technology risk reduced; focus on validation depth and execution discipline
- TRL 6–7: Operational, manufacturing, and integration risks addressed
- TRL 8–9: Certification, scaling, and market adoption risks managed
Strategic Positioning — The Pre-Consensus Window
Technology: TRL 5–6 (internally validated laboratory prototypes)
Market awareness: Early-stage, limited to specialist and pilot audiences
Valuation context: Pre-consensus, prior to broad institutional benchmarking
Strategic window: Estimated 12–18 months before wider institutional engagement, subject to validation progress
Value Proposition: For Pilot Partners:
Early technical access, preferential collaboration terms, and co-development opportunities aligned with use-case needs For Investors:
Asymmetric risk–reward profile at a pre-consensus stage, with internal validation completed and external validation planned For Government & Defense Stakeholders:
Potential contribution to strategic energy autonomy, operational resilience, and early exposure to emerging solid-state power architectures
The Core Strategic Question:
“Engage when the technology has been internally validated but market consensus is still forming,
or engage later, once consensus exists and market pricing reflects reduced uncertainty?”
Observed deep-tech pattern: early engagement enables influence on direction and integration, while later engagement prioritizes procurement and deployment.
Honest Assessment & Risk Disclosure
Certification pathway defined; formal certification activities aligned with later TRL stages (post-TRL 6).
2. NOT “Proven at Scale” — Yet Current stage: System-level prototypes validated in laboratory conditions;
manufacturing scale-up and process validation belong to TRL 7–8.
3. NOT “Free Energy” Physical reality: VENDOR operates as an open thermodynamic system.
Explicit energy inputs exist (e.g. DC starter), measurable losses exist (thermal, radiative).
4. NOT “A Universal Grid Replacement” Optimized for: Off-grid, backup power, distributed and infrastructure-adjacent generation.
Not positioned for: Large-scale centralized (GW-class) power plants.
5. Requires Further Development Indicative trajectory: Approximately 3–5 years from TRL 5–6 to initial commercial maturity (TRL 9), subject to validation, certification, and market integration.
Why transparency matters: “Credibility matters more than hype. VENDOR is a real, physics-compliant technology validated at the prototype level, but it remains early-stage deep tech — not a finished commercial product.”
Outcome Interpretation Framework (TRL-Limited)
All technical conclusions regarding VENDOR must remain strictly within the boundaries of its current development stage (TRL 5–6). At this stage, neither long-term performance nor upper power limits can be predicted or excluded. Such projections belong to later TRL phases (7–9) and require structured testing, certification pathways and environmental robustness validation.
Assertions such as “the device will work” or “the device will not work”, or predictions about specific power levels (e.g., 10–20 kW), fall outside the permitted analytical scope. These outcomes cannot be inferred from TRL 5–6 data and require empirical characterisation in controlled laboratory conditions.
Similarly, explanations invoking phenomena not described in the patents or project documentation (e.g., ionospheric coupling or atmospheric energy harvesting at large scales) are not valid analytical frames. Evaluation must be grounded only in documented architecture, patents and measured behaviour.
Correct interpretation at TRL 5–6 is therefore: “early-stage architecture with open questions, requiring independent validation and not suitable for definitive performance predictions.”
