Lecture 19_Incubators and accelerators

Question 1

What is a business incubator?

Answer 1

A program that supports early-stage start-ups by providing lab/office space, mentorship, and access to funding, often with flexible duration and no equity taken.

Question 2

What is a start-up accelerator?

Answer 2

A fixed-term, cohort-based program offering mentorship, education, and sometimes seed investment (usually in exchange for equity) to rapidly scale up start-ups.

Question 3

What is a research hub?

Answer 3

A shared space that brings together researchers, academics, and industry partners to foster collaboration and innovation on specific themes.

Question 4

What are three key challenges for biotech start-ups?

Answer 4

High development costs

Regulatory hurdles

Need for specialized expertise

Question 5

What is the key focus difference between incubators and accelerators?

Answer 5

Incubators focus on scientific breakthroughs and long-term sustainability, while accelerators aim for rapid product launches and market entry.

Question 6

Which stage of start-up development do incubators and accelerators support?

Answer 6

Incubators: early-stage or pre-commercialisation phase

Accelerators: start-ups already established and looking to scale quickly

Question 7

How do equity requirements differ between incubators and accelerators?

Answer 7

Accelerators usually take equity; incubators may or may not, and are often more flexible.

Question 8

How do industry connections differ between incubators and accelerators?

Answer 8

Accelerators typically have strong ties with industry; incubators often connect more with academia and government.