The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Australian National University Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Australian National University, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why Australian National University students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

Australian National University (ANU) is connected to several local incubators and accelerators that offer valuable mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs. Programs like GRIFFIN Accelerator and KILN Incubator provide intensive support, including mentorship from experienced local entrepreneurs. This local focus is crucial as mentors understand the specific challenges and opportunities within the Canberra ecosystem. They offer relevant insights, leverage local networks for connections to investors and customers, and provide objective advice to help navigate the early stages of business development. While the tangible impact of mentorship can be hard to quantify, it significantly contributes to entrepreneurs' knowledge, skills, confidence, and networks.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

Australian National University (ANU) supports student entrepreneurship through various programs and resources, including local incubators and grant opportunities. InnovationACT is a key program offering workshops, mentorship, and a grant pool for student startups. In the past, this program has awarded significant grants to student teams. ANU also connects students with the wider Canberra innovation ecosystem, including organisations like the Canberra Innovation Network, GRIFFIN Accelerator, and KILN Incubator, which offer additional support and potential investment. While specific seed funding amounts can vary, these initiatives provide valuable resources and connections to help student ventures develop and grow.

By choosing EWOR, Australian National University students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

ANU's local incubators foster a strong network and community to help students connect and collaborate. They provide access to various programs and initiatives like KILN Incubator workshops and business coaching, and connections to the broader Canberra Innovation Network. This network includes researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and government representatives, offering students opportunities to engage with industry professionals through events like "First Wednesday Connect". Programs like GRIFFIN Accelerator also connect students with experienced entrepreneurs who provide mentorship. The ANU Entrepreneurship Club further supports students by offering events, idea validation, expert support, and networking opportunities with startups and founders. This vibrant community encourages swapping ideas, sharing stories, and learning from others in the entrepreneurial space.

While local incubators at Australian National University may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

ANU collaborates with organisations like the Canberra Innovation Network, KILN Incubator, and GRIFFIN Accelerator to offer innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities. These programs often involve workshops, business coaching, and networking events. While some programs may have in-person components, like the Tech Showcase which has featured hybrid in-person and virtual pitching, there's also a move towards hybrid or remote options, particularly for internships. This flexibility can increase student participation by accommodating different schedules and locations.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Australian National University students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

ANU collaborates with various organizations to provide educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs. They offer innovation-related training and connect students with external opportunities. Local incubators and networks like Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), GRIFFIN Accelerator, and KILN Incubator offer programs designed to develop entrepreneurial skills. These include intensive programs, workshops, business coaching, and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs. They cover areas like customer validation, business models, and scaling businesses. ANU is also a partner in the national ON Accelerator program, which provides pre-accelerator and accelerator programs with potential funding access.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While Australian National University's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers Australian National University students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash