Incubatie

Incubatie, also written as incubation, is the process of maintaining a controlled environment to support the development or growth of living beings, cells, cultures, or even projects, over a defined period. The common thread across uses is the provision of stable conditions that favor a planned outcome, such as germination, growth, or maturation.

In biological and agricultural contexts, incubation describes the period during which eggs or seeds develop under regulated temperature, humidity, and sometimes oxygen levels. Many bird eggs require specific warmth and turning schedules, while other organisms such as reptiles and insects also rely on carefully controlled conditions. Incubators are devices designed to maintain these environments for artificial incubation.

In medical and laboratory settings, incubators serve different purposes. Neonatal incubators protect and regulate the temperature, humidity, and sometimes oxygen for premature or ill newborns. In microbiology and cell culture, incubators provide environments that promote the growth of microorganisms or cells, enabling experiments, diagnostics, and research. Different species or cell types require distinct temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

In business and technology, incubation refers to programs that support early-stage startups. Startup incubators offer workspace, mentorship, networks, and often access to funding or resources to help companies develop, validate their ideas, and reach a stage where they can attract external investment or scale.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin incubare, to lie upon or brood, imagery associated with caring for eggs until development is complete.

See also: incubation period; incubator; startup incubator.