Inkubaatio

Inkubaatio is the Finnish term for incubation. It denotes the process or period during which development takes place under controlled conditions, enabling growth, hatching, or maturation. The term is used across science, medicine, agriculture, and business contexts to describe processes that unfold within a managed environment.

In biology and medicine, inkubaatioaika (the incubation period) refers to the interval between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms in a host. This duration varies widely by disease, from hours to days or longer. In aviculture, incubation also refers to the time required for eggs to hatch, typically maintained by an incubator that regulates temperature, humidity, and turning. In laboratory microbiology, incubation describes the period during which cultures are grown under controlled conditions to promote growth or to perform tests.

In laboratory settings, incubators provide stable temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions for cell culture, bacterial growth, or the preservation of samples. They must be kept sterile and monitored to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.

In Finnish usage, inkubaatio also describes startup incubators and related programs designed to support early-stage companies. Such programs offer workspace, mentorship, access to funding or networks, and assistance with product development, testing, and market entry.

See also: incubation period, incubator, startup incubator.