Young companies are particularly vulnerable during the start-up phase of operations. This vulnerability is especially pronounced in emerging markets where critical services are scarce or prohibitively expensive. m:lab's business incubation offering is for start-up firms with a mobile technology focus, specifically mobile applications.  m:lab's incubation program is designed to accelerate successful development of mobile application entrepreneurs through an array of business support resources and services which include :-

• Privileged access to market research information and knowledge repositories
• Linkages with financiers for seed capital and venture capital
• Facilitated access to markets, deals and contracts
• Assistance with monetizing mobile applications
• Assistance with intellectual property and patent management
• Business management advisory services
• Business mentoring, coaching and assistance
• Networking and community building events
• Application testing and quality assurance
• Internet and data connectivity facilities
• Subsidized office space

Successful outcomes of m:lab's incubation program in the long term will be measured by :-

1. The number of firms that graduate from m:lab incubation into strong competitive and sustainable enterprises
2. The number of jobs created in East Africa by m:lab's current and past incubation clients

Considering the above desirable outcomes, the minimum period for incubation is 6 months and the maximum period is 24 months. An overview of the selection criteria for incubation clients can be found here.