Incubate (verb)

1. To keep eggs warm for the purpose of hatching.
2. To develop or maintain an idea or project through nurturing and support.

Origin:

From latin incubare, from in- (in) + cubare (to lie down).

Examples:

1. The mother bird incubated her eggs for several weeks before they hatched.
2. The scientists incubated the petri dish containing the bacteria in a warm environment.
3. The startup incubator provided mentoring and resources to help new businesses incubate.
4. She incubated her business plan for months before launching her company.
5. The university incubates ideas and projects to promote innovation.