Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a measurement system used to assess the maturity of a particular technology or innovation, from its earliest conceptual stages through to full-scale commercial deployment. Originally developed by NASA, TRLs help organisations and stakeholders understand how far along a technology is in its development lifecycle. Each level in the TRL scale provides a standardised description of progress, helping funders, developers, and regulators align expectations and plan next steps. For the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) have been adapted to fit the water and sanitation sector. They range from TRL 1 (basic research) to TRL 9 (proven, working in real-world use). This helps applicants clearly explain how far along their technology is and what still needs to be done to get it ready for real-world use, no matter what stage they’re currently at.

Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) is a structured scale used to assess the maturity of a technology’s manufacturability, that is, how ready the technology is for consistent, reliable, and cost-effective production. Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defence, MRLs evaluate critical elements such as process development, supply chain readiness, quality assurance, tooling, and workforce capability to ensure that a technology can be manufactured at scale. Within the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project, the MRL framework has been adapted to address the specific challenges of manufacturing water and sanitation technologies. The scale ranges from MRL 1, where manufacturing concepts are still in early feasibility discussions, to MRL 10, where production is fully operational with continuous process improvements in place. This ensures that selected innovations are not only technically sound but also practically manufacturable for widespread deployment.

Freedom to Operate (FTO) refers to the ability to develop, produce, and commercialise a technology without infringing on the intellectual property (IP) rights of others. It involves analysing existing patents, licences, and other IP protections to determine whether a product or process can be legally used in a given market. For the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project, conducting an FTO analysis helps ensure that submitted technologies can be deployed globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) without legal barriers or the need for additional licensing agreements. A clear FTO position strengthens a technology’s scalability and long-term impact.

ISO 30500 is an international standard for non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS) that defines requirements for safety, performance, and sustainability. It covers areas such as pathogen removal, system functionality, energy use, and environmental protection, providing clear methods for testing and evaluation. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 30500 supports the development of safe, reliable sanitation solutions where traditional sewers are not viable. For the NGSS Project, it serves as the key benchmark for assessing compliance and guiding technology development. For more details: https://sanitation.ansi.org/Standard/ISO30500

To ensure a positive impact for the intended beneficiaries in this project, we require our partners to ensure Global Access. To read more about Global Access Policy framework: https://globalaccess.gatesfoundation.org/

Solutions should serve a typical household of six residents, with a minimum capacity of 350 litres per person per day.

While there's no explicit energy consumption limit, energy efficiency is crucial for reducing operational costs and ensuring sustainability. Solutions should aim for minimal energy consumption while maintaining performance and comply with relevant environmental regulations.

Yes. This call targets non-biological technologies due to its potential attributes - operational simplicity, faster start-up times, and ease of maintenance. It also aims to expand the diversity of sanitation solutions in the market.

No. Biological or plant-based systems are not eligible.

Biological subsystems cannot be considered. However, if your technology includes a non-biological component, such as a membrane or filtration system, you may submit that part for consideration.