a device that keeps eggs warm so they can hatch, or a place that helps new businesses grow and succeed.
From Latin 'incubare' (to sit on, to brood), combining 'in-' (on) and 'cubare' (to lie down). Originally referred to sitting on eggs; later extended metaphorically to nurturing any developing entity.
Modern startup incubators use the biological metaphor intentionally—just as chick embryos need precise temperature and humidity, young companies need the right environment of mentorship, funding, and resources to 'hatch' into successful businesses.
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