Incubation (noun)

1. The process of maintaining conditions suitable for the development of eggs, especially by artificial means.
2. The process of nurturing and promoting the growth of an idea, project, or business.

Origin:

Late 16th century from latin incubatio(n-), from incubare 'lie upon'.

Examples:

1. The incubation period of the chicken eggs is 21 days.
2. The incubation process is critical to the survival and growth of the embryos.
3. The incubation center provided a supportive environment for start-ups to grow and succeed.
4. The incubation period for the virus can range from 2 to 14 days.
5. The incubation of the new product took over a year, but the result was worth it.