Introduction

A startup incubator is a helpful tool for early-stage and even idea-stage startups to take their businesses to the next level. Like an incubator that protects and grows eggs, these programs help further develop participants until they are ready to launch a business.

Incubators require the founding team’s full attention and dedication to the program, which can take a year or two as the startup moves from idea to prototype and beyond.

However, the time sacrifice can lead to a huge payoff.

According to Forbes, around 87% of startups that participate in an incubator program remain in business after five years. To put this in perspective, around 90% of startups fail, and 10% of new businesses don’t make it past the first year.

Startups have a better shot at success when they spend focused time in an incubator, paired with mentorship and resources available through the program.

So where does a founder find these programs, and how does a startup qualify? Here are the top startup incubators this year, plus tips for polishing your incubator applications.

 

What is a startup incubator?

A startup incubator or business incubator is a program that a startup team participates in to reach its next milestone or goal. These goals may include developing an idea into a prototype, establishing a thorough business plan, developing a minimum viable product (MVP), or overcoming sales or customer service challenges.

Incubator programs typically have flexible schedules, but depending on the program, applicants must make a long-term commitment of up to a couple of years. 

During that time, the incubator host will provide startups with business resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Many incubators are offered through universities or nonprofit organizations and require little, if any, equity in exchange for the perks. However, corporate incubators may require 3% to 10% equity for participation.

Unlike accelerator programs, which help venture-backed startups scale by providing business resources and funding, incubators are geared more toward very young startups, even those in the idea stage.

 

Benefits of an incubator

There are many benefits for startups that participate in an incubator, including:

• Mentorship: Incubators provide expert mentorship to participating startups, and many startups work with those mentors throughout the course of their companies.
• Resources: Startups often receive perks such as office space, access to lab equipment, free or reduced-cost software, and other resources to help them launch their ideas.
• Networking: Incubators have extensive networks of past and present participants and mentors.
• Focused startup development: Incubator programs offer the time and space to be fully dedicated to startup development to create a strong foundation for a successful business.
• Potential funding: Some incubators offer small amounts of funding at the end of the program or help startups prepare their business foundations to impress investors later.

 

Choosing the right incubator for your startup

Before you apply for incubators, make sure that the program makes sense for your needs. If you are saving up money to start a business, you may not have the budget to fly across the world to participate in an on-site program, especially without certain perks like workspaces.

According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Business Research, there are more than 10,000 incubators globally. While the competition to get into an incubator is still high with so many new businesses starting each year, there are still plenty of options to consider. 

When considering incubator programs, keep the following criteria in mind.

Location

When possible, look for local incubators or even virtual programs to save on transportation and/or relocation costs.

Industry focus 

If you’re a B2C startup, don’t waste time applying to an incubator that focuses on promoting B2B health tech companies. Make sure the programs you apply to match the industry you’re targeting.

Program size

Do you work best in a smaller, tight-knit cohort, or do you prefer a bigger group with which to share ideas? Research incubator cohort sizes to find options that suit your preferences.

Program length

Incubators typically require a longer commitment, at least one to two years, for idea and business development. However, shorter programs are available if you want to focus on one problem or milestone.

Leaders

Consider the mentors or program leaders. Do they have experience in your industry? Have they worked with or even invested in similar startups? Consider applying to incubators with mentors that best align with your startup.

Resources and benefits

Incubators may offer varying levels of perks. If you need office space or lab access, look for programs that offer those services.

Equity requirements

Some incubators require you to give a small percentage of equity, while other programs may not require any equity. Weigh the equity requirements alongside the benefits offered to figure out what best meets your startup’s needs. It may be worth offering up some equity for bigger perks, such as funding.

 

How to apply for startup incubators

The incubator application process varies from program to program, but there are some general best practices to increase your approval odds.

First, many incubator programs are best for young startups that are not yet making revenue and are not backed by VCs. If you run a VC-backed startup, consider applying to an accelerator instead.

Incubator programs work best with at least two team members, so assemble a founding team and compile information about each member to include in the application.

One of the most important parts of the incubator application process is highlighting the goals or milestones the startup should meet within the program. These may include building a strong business plan, developing the MVP, proving product-market fit, or preparing to launch a product in the target market.

If you are past the idea stage, make sure to have at least an early business plan, which you can further develop as part of the incubator. You can also compile your market analysis and competitor information to strengthen your application.

From there, just be sure to include any specific requirements for each incubator application.

 

19 leading startup incubators for 2025

With your idea, a small team of founders, and maybe even a preliminary business plan or market analysis at hand, you’re ready to start exploring incubator programs to propel your startup forward. Here are some of the top startup incubators to consider.

Station F

Station F has a reputation for being one of the largest startup campuses in the world, with over 1,000 startups and thirty programs.  They offer both on-campus and online options, featuring a vast investor community, over 150 perks and offers, 35 public services, and more than 600 events and workshops annually. Everything a startup founder needs to launch and grow their business can be found at Station F.

• Industries: Technology, climate tech
• Location: Paris, France
• Perks: 30 distinct programs, office space, housing
• Application information: Apply here for the program that best suits you.

 

500 Global

500 Global, formerly 500 Startups, is well-known for its accelerator program, but it also offers “bootcamps” and similar programs for startup incubation. There are multiple programs available at locations around the world that focus on idea-stage, pre-seed, and seed startups, as well as startups that have achieved product-market fit. The incubator programs focus on strengthening business foundations, finding PMF, skill-building, overcoming or preparing for common startup challenges, and more.

• Industries: Technology
• Location: Varies; Based in San Francisco, California
• Perks: Coaching, mentorship, access to 500 Global community
• Equity: N/A for programs, varies for accelerator program
• Application information: Find a program that suits your needs here. Fill out the program application by the deadline and, if chosen to move forward, participate in a panel interview for program consideration.

TechNexus

TechNexus is a venture collaborative organization that also offers a Venture Success Platform for founders who want access to mentorship, resources, and even funding. The platform also offers programs through its CoLabs, including the V2:VC social club, the Immerse venture collaborative for audio-tech startups, and the Podfund program, which offers funding (up to $150K), mentorship, and other resources for podcast startups and creators.

• Industries: Technology, machine learning, audio tech
• Location: Varies; Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Perks: Mentorship, partnership opportunities, business advising, and potential for funding
• Equity: Undisclosed
• Application information: Contact TechNexus for information on resources and programs for founders.

Capital Factory

For Texas-based startups, joining Capital Factory gives access to hackathons, networking events for finding co-founders, early customers, and investors, skill sessions, and more. The organization helps new startups connect with potential team members, partners, first customers, angel investors, and more while also building the skills needed to start a company.

• Industries: Technology, SaaS, AI
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Perks: Exclusive events, access to the Capital Factory network, MVP development resources, co-working space
• Equity: N/A; 1% for accelerator program
• Application information: Apply to join Capital Factory here.

Plug and Play Tech Center

The Plug and Play Tech Center’s startup growth program is technically an accelerator, but it differs from traditional accelerators by focusing on early-stage startups that want to build skills, access exclusive events, expand their networks, and tap into co-working spaces and other business resources. The organization also offers startup business development programming and Challenges, where startups can compete to provide innovative solutions to proposed real-world problems.

• Industries: AI, IT, SaaS, retail, energy
• Location: Varies; Based in Sunnyvale, California
• Perks: Co-working space, exclusive events, one-on-one investor pitch meetings, focus weeks for business development
• Equity: None
• Application information: Fill out a form with your information to learn more about Plug and Play programs best suited to your goals.

Harvard Innovation Labs (i-lab)

For current students and alums of Harvard University, the Harvard Innovation Labs, or i-lab, offers exclusive programming for entrepreneurs. The i-lab focuses on startups ranging from the idea stage to those preparing for venture capital funding. Participants can access university workspaces and studios, including training to use specialized equipment to further prototype development or media creation. i-lab members may also participate in challenges that offer funding prizes.

• Industries: Education tech, sustainability, machine learning
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Perks: Co-working space, access to specialized tech equipment, access to Harvard University and i-lab network, advising/mentorship, potential funding
• Equity: N/A
• Application information: Alumni can apply here. Current students can apply here.

SOSV

While it doesn’t call them incubators, SOSV does offer specialized programs for pre-seed-stage startups with incubator perks. SOSV has some of the most popular pre-seed programs in the world, including HAX for hard tech startups and Indie Bio for health tech and sustainability-focused startups. Programs are about four to six months long and offer focused environments for startup development, plus initial funding opportunities.

• Industries: Deep tech, sustainability, health tech
• Location: NYC, New York; Newark, New Jersey; and San Francisco, California
• Perks: Residency programs, in-person or virtual mentorship, lab and studio access, network expansion, funding opportunities
• Equity: Varies; offered through Simple Agreement For Equity (SAFE)
• Application information: Learn more about SOSV’s pre-seed programs and apply here.

Google for Startups

Did you know your startup could participate in business development and growth programming offered by one of the biggest companies in the world? Google for Startups offers an “accelerator” for early-stage startups between the seed and series A funding stages. While the program doesn’t offer funding, making it similar to an incubator, participants do get to join a three-month program with workshops from Google’s experts, mentorship, leadership development skill-building, and more.

• Industries: Technology, SaaS
• Location: Varies; Google for Startups Campuses in Madrid, Spain; São Paulo, Brazil; Seoul, South Korea; Tel-Aviv, Israel; Tokyo, Japan; and Warsaw, Poland
• Perks: Mentorship, exclusive workshops, early access to upcoming Google products
• Equity: None
• Application information: Find applications for accelerator programs by region: Americas; Europe, Middle East, Africa; and Asia Pacific.

MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a nonprofit that offers accelerators for venture-backed startups and a host of programs for startups at earlier stages. With an emphasis on creating meaningful change in the health and sustainability industries, the programs help startups scale and make stronger impacts in their target markets. In addition to mentorship and access to the global MassChallenge network, participants also get free and discounted resources and even equity-free funding opportunities.

• Industries: Health tech, sustainability, fintech
• Location: Varies; Based in Boston, Massachusetts
• Perks: Mentorship, network expansion, partnership opportunities, potential funding
• Equity: None
• Application information: Create a founder and startup profile here, then participate in two rounds of judging to be considered for the program.

StartX (Stanford University)

Another university-affiliated program, StartX, offered by Stanford University, is for startups from the idea stage to funded. It offers mentorship and resources, plus the potential to access grant funding. Participants should be connected to the university, whether as current students, alums, or faculty. Founders in the StartX community get access to exclusive events, such as educational seminars and investor demo days, as well as co-working spaces, peer-to-peer learning and support, and over $1.2M in free resources.

• Industries: Technology, AI, health tech, sustainability, education
• Location: Palo Alto, California
• Perks: Mentorship, access to the Stanford University and StartX networks, funding opportunities, exclusive events, peer learning, office space
• Equity: None
• Application information: Submit founder and company applications here by the listed deadline. Complete an interview for consideration.

MIT Innovation & Entrepreneurship

MIT Innovation & Entrepreneurship is part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It offers both incubators and accelerators for founders affiliated with the institute, including current undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral students, alums, and faculty. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship arm of MIT offers dozens of different programs for a wide range of industries, from art and design to sustainability and energy to social innovation and beyond. Some programs even offer a chance to win prize funding, grants, internship opportunities, and more.

• Industries: Technology, art, health tech, climate tech, finance, hardware
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Perks: Co-working/studio/lab spaces, mentorship, access to the MIT network, exclusive events
• Equity: None
• Application information: You can find a list of programs here. Click through to learn more about each program and how to apply.

Tenity 

Tenity is an innovation ecosystem and investor in early-stage startups that offers incubator and accelerator programs. Many of its programs, including incubators and challenges for pre-seed startups, offer funding. However, if selected, startups may be required to provide an equity share and pay a participation fee to join. Tenity programs offer participants a shot at bigger investment opportunities through the Tenity Deal, with funding up to CHF 300K ($328K).

• Industries: Fintech
• Location: Varies; Based in Zurich, Switzerland
• Perks: Mentorship, funding opportunities, skill-building, network expansion
• Equity: Around 2.5% for incubator programs, which may vary by specific program
• Application information: Find programs with open or ongoing applications here.

Draper Startup House 

Looking for a startup community in addition to business development? Consider joining the Draper Startup House. The organization is a global startup community with co-working hubs around the world; it also offers virtual and in-person pre-accelerator programs through Draper University to take startups to the next level through skill-building and educational resources. Pre-accelerator programs teach founders business essentials like developing a clear mission and vision, fundraising, building a prototype, getting legally compliant, and more. Keep in mind that some programs require participation fees.

• Industries: Technology, fintech, consumer products
• Location: Varies; Draper University is based in San Mateo, California
• Perks: Mentorship, business education, network expansion, funding opportunities
• Equity: Varies
• Application information: Explore Draper University’s programs here, then follow the application guidelines for each.

Antler

Antler’s unique residency programs help entrepreneurs move from the idea stage with zero revenue to seed-stage startups within six months. During the program, participants can join sprints, social events, workshops, and more. They will strengthen their startup ideas, prepare business plans, and even find their co-founders. At the end of the residency, participants can pitch to Antler investors for a chance at early funding.

• Industries: Fintech, health tech, SaaS, e-commerce
• Location: Varies
• Perks: Co-founder matching program, skill-building, network expansion, funding opportunities, mentorship
• Equity: Varies, around 9–11%
• Application information: Apply here. If you are selected to proceed, you will participate in two interviews to be considered for residency.

LaunchVic

For incubator and pre-accelerator programs ideal for idea-stage startups, check out LaunchVic. LaunchVic is a state-established startup agency in Victoria, Australia. It offers mentorship, educational resources, workshops, and networking events for local startups. The organization also has focused programs for underrepresented startups, including startups with Indigenous founders, women-led startups, and startups devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

• Industries: Health tech, AI, AgTech, climate tech
• Location: Victoria, Australia
• Perks: Mentorship, funding opportunities, governmental support, network expansion
• Equity: Some programs are equity-free, others may have varying equity requirements
• Application information: Find programs best suited to your startup here, then follow the application instructions.

MaRS

MaRS Discovery District is a nonprofit organization that promotes healthcare, climate tech, and fintech startups, as well as medical research. Its Build program is a leading startup incubator for companies with zero revenue that are ready to establish intellectual property (IP), develop a growth strategy, test an MVP, find initial customers, hire team members, and ultimately prepare for seed and series funding.

• Industries: Climate tech, health tech, fintech
• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Perks: Mentorship, exclusive educational resources, workshops, media and PR opportunities, network expansion
• Equity: N/A
• Application information: Startups must have an MVP to apply. Apply here by filling out an eligibility form. If approved, you can then apply and interview for consideration.

Parallel18

Parallel18 offers a pre-acceleration program called Pre18 and an incubator called BioLeap for Puerto Rico-based startups. The pre-acceleration program grants startups access to over 100 mentors and fellow startups, plus provides additional support from other startup-focused companies, including Google for Startups. Participants receive $25K in funding for participating. The BioLeap program is for startups in the life sciences industry, with 12 weeks of curriculum-based learning, 14 weeks of mentorship and technical assistance, and immediate entry into the Puerto Rico Economic Development Incentives Office, which can help with claiming tax credits for local startups.

• Industries: Media, e-commerce, life sciences, health tech, climate tech, SaaS
• Location: Puerto Rico
• Perks: Mentorship, network expansion, educational resources, $25K funding (Pre18), entry into Puerto Rico Economic Development Incentives Office
• Equity: None
• Application information: Learn more about each program and its requirements, plus find open applications for upcoming cohorts, here.

Bethnal Green Ventures

Bethnal Green Ventures, or BGV, is a VC firm focused on early-stage technology companies with missions for social and/or environmental impact. The Tech For Good Programme is for startups anywhere between the prototype stage to startups with their first customers. Startup teams will participate in intensive online and in-person workshops, skill sessions, and more to further develop their startup and prepare to scale. Participants receive £60K ($74K) from BGV at the end of the program in exchange for equity, with the potential to receive additional BGV investments in the future.

• Industries: Technology, climate tech
• Location: London, U.K.
• Perks: Mentorship, exclusive events, network expansion, £60K ($74K) investment
• Equity: 7%
• Application information: The program runs twice per year. Apply here for the next available cohort.

JumpStart, Inc.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, JumpStart, Inc. has long been promoting startups and small businesses in Ohio. With a focus on health tech companies and a location in the Health-Tech Corridor of Cleveland, JumpStart, Inc. offers programs for pre-seed and seed startups. Founders can learn more about market research, how to pitch to investors, marketing, and more through the organization’s mentorship programs, workshops, and accelerators. JumpStart, Inc. has also recently partnered with Verizon to offer free business resources, including education on crafting a founder story, securing business loans, determining product prices, and more.

• Industries: Health tech, SaaS
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Perks: Mentorship, exclusive events, access to grant and loan funding, software resources
• Equity: N/A
• Application information: Review programs here and click through to apply.

 

Start the path to success by joining a top startup incubator

Maybe you have an idea that you’re ready to bring to life, or perhaps you have an MVP but are looking to overcome some common startup challenges before launching the product. No matter what obstacles you’re facing, an incubator can help you review these barriers and explore various ways to get around them. 

Incubators offer invaluable resources for up-and-coming startups, with benefits ranging from ongoing mentorship to networking events to the potential for grant or investor funding. 

Ready to take advantage of these perks and propel your startup to the next level? Consider joining one of these leading startup incubators, and you’re certain to have a rewarding experience and a higher chance of establishing a successful company.

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