What is a startup incubator?
A startup incubator is an organisation that helps very early-stage companies turn an idea into a working business. Incubators usually provide workspace, mentoring, training and access to a network, over a longer and more flexible period than an accelerator.
Many incubators are run by universities, governments or non-profits and charge little or nothing. Others are private and may take a small equity stake or a fee.
Incubator vs accelerator
| Incubator | Accelerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Idea to early product | Early product to growth |
| Length | Often 6 months to 2 years, sometimes open-ended | Fixed, usually 3 to 6 months |
| Structure | Flexible, self-paced | Cohort-based with a set schedule |
| Investment | Often none | Often a small seed investment |
| Ends with | Graduation when ready | Demo day |
Types of incubators
University incubators
For students, alumni and researchers, often focused on turning research into companies.
Government and public incubators
Run to grow local economies, usually free and sometimes tied to a sector or region.
Corporate incubators
Run by large companies looking for startups close to their own market.
Sector-specific incubators
Focused on areas like fintech, health, agriculture or climate, with specialist mentors.
Virtual incubators
Remote programmes offering mentoring and training without physical space.
What founders get from an incubator
- Low-cost or free office space and facilities
- Mentors who help turn an idea into a business model
- Training on topics like legal setup, finance and sales
- A community of other early founders
- Introductions to investors and accelerator programmes when you're ready
How Startupply helps with incubation
Startupply serves both sides: founders looking for a programme, and incubators running one.
- 1
Founders: find incubation programmes
Browse training programmes, seminars and workshops run by incubators on the Startupply events page, and apply using your startup profile.
- 2
Founders: track applications
Follow every application's status from your dashboard, so nothing gets lost across programmes.
- 3
Incubators: run intake on Startupply
Build application forms, share them by link, and review structured startup profiles instead of scattered documents.
- 4
Incubators: publish your programme
List your organisation in the Startupply directory and publish events so founders can find you.
Dedicated incubation management tools for running cohorts, mentors and milestones are in development on Startupply.
Frequently asked questions
Do incubators take equity?
Many don't, especially university and government incubators. Private incubators may take a small stake or charge a fee. Always check the terms.
Can I join an incubator with just an idea?
Yes. Incubators are designed for early-stage founders, and many accept teams with only an idea and a commitment to work on it.
Should I join an incubator or an accelerator?
If you're still shaping the idea and business model, an incubator usually fits better. If you have a product and early traction and want to raise soon, look at accelerators.