incubator Hear it!

incubator Definition

in·cu·ba·tor (in′kyə bāt′ər, iŋ′-)

noun

a person or thing that incubates; specif.,

  1. an artificially heated container for hatching eggs
  2. a similar apparatus in which premature babies are kept for a period
  3. an apparatus for growing microbial or cell cultures in which the temperature, atmosphere, and humidity can be controlled

incubator Finance Definition

A dynamic process of business development that helps start-up businesses grow and create a stable base for their operations. Incubators provide a variety of services, such as management assistance, financial assistance, and access to other professional and technical services. They also may provide marketing support. Incubators provide entrepreneurial firms with shared office space and equipment, support services, conference rooms, access to equipment, and flexible leases. Incubators also may focus on companies in one industry or in a niche industry. Often they are non-profit.

U.S. business incubators began in the 1970s, although the oldest one began in Batavia, New York in 1959. They were created from three concurrent events, according to the National Business Incubation Association, which was formed in 1985. Incubators came from an attempt to use old, abandoned factory buildings in distressed areas of the Midwest and Northeast by subdividing them for small firms. Incubators also received a boost from an experiment funded by the National Science Foundation to foster entrepreneurship and innovation at universities. Finally, successful entrepreneurs wanted to encourage others and provide support to emerging companies.

The U.S. Small Business Administration also was a strong promoter of incubators, especially from 1984 until 1987. During that time, the number of incubators grew from just over 20 annually to more than 70 by 1987. The agency held a series of regional conferences and published a newsletter and incubator handbooks.

incubator Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • create: Systems that are characterized by an absence of political choice, transparent governance, economic opportunities and personal freedoms can create incubators for extremism.
  • include: The Initiative also includes an Internet Incubator Fund to stimulate the creation of new regional Incubators that will support and nurture new e-businesses.
  • provide: Across the country, local authorities, education institutions and business are coming together to provide incubators for young entrepreneurs.
  • make: Ever practical, Richard turned his hand to constructing home made incubators from scrap materials.
  • have: Liz replied we only have a very old incubator that is unreliable.

Adjective modifier

  • current: Following the rapid success of the current biotechnology incubator, a second building is under construction.
  • new: Research collaborations at a new business incubator could be the answer.
  • small: Surplus premises may be provided for conversation into small business incubators or hostels for the homeless.
  • high: The university has also established high technology campus incubators.

Modifies a noun

  • unit: The second is an ' incubator unit on campus ' .
  • facility: The construction of major science park and incubator facilities has helped position Northern Ireland as a prime location for biotech start-up ventures.
  • space: Yes I will rent the incubator space, I don't want to have to bother with gestation at home.
  • building: The Incubator building is on your left opposite the hospital car park.
  • client: Thirty percent of incubator clients typically graduate each year.
  • manager: Read more of " Incubator Manager at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation " ...

Noun used with modifier

  • biotechnology: A £ 2 million biotechnology incubator was completed in summer 2005 at Papworth Hospital, £ 1.4 million of which was funded by EEDA.
  • business: Find out more on the UWE's business incubator web site.
  • Internet: The same week that I met my Oxford student, Internet incubator Oxygen Holdings made its market debut.
  • baby: Would you like to design a baby incubator or a machine that diagnoses and treats serious illnesses such as heart disease or cancer?
  • technology: The university has also established high technology campus incubators.