The word incubate in the context of birds refers to the development of the chick (embryo) within the egg and the constant temperature required for the development of it over a specific period. This, in most species of bird is produced by endothermic body heat from the brooding parent, though several groups, notably the Megapodes use the heat generated from rotting vegetable material, effectively a giant compost heap instead.

Climate-controlled incubators are used in industrial agricultural settings and in neonatal care, especially of human infants. The life-expectancy for premature infants has increased dramatically thanks to incubation.

In economics, a business incubator is an organization providing physical space, communications tools, investments or human resources intended to support the development of a new firm.