The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons California Institute of Technology Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at California Institute of Technology, 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 California Institute of Technology 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.

Caltech's local incubators, such as those associated with the Resnick Sustainability Institute's Rocket Fund and the Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect innovators with industry experts, experienced professionals, and successful alumni. Local mentors provide crucial support by offering guidance on various aspects of building a business, including strategy, finance, marketing, and pitching. They help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and expand their networks. This local connection is vital for translating scientific and technological ideas into commercial realities and accelerating the path to market.

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.

Caltech offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local ecosystem. The Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships (OTTCP) plays a key role, managing the Caltech Seed Fund which provides pre-seed and seed capital, typically between $100K and $500K per company. This fund often co-invests with external partners like Wilson Hill Ventures to amplify its impact. Additionally, the Rocket Fund, supported by members including Southern California Gas Company, offers non-equity grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 specifically for cleantech and sustainability startups. Caltech also has initiatives like the Rothenberg Innovation Initiative (RI2) and a new Initiative for Caltech Students to further support entrepreneurship. Beyond direct funding, programs like the Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program provide stipends and resources for post-degree students developing commercial products.

By choosing EWOR, California Institute of Technology 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. 

Caltech's local incubators foster a collaborative community that helps students build connections. The Caltech Innovation Center provides space for startups to develop ideas and encourages side-by-side work between students and industry researchers. The Caltech Entrepreneurship Club actively develops the startup ecosystem through networking events and speaker series, connecting students with peers, venture capitalists, and experienced founders. Programs like Nucleate also facilitate collaboration by pairing science students with business students to refine startup plans. This environment, along with resources like the Rocket Fund and various grant opportunities, supports students in translating their research into commercial ventures.

While local incubators at California Institute of Technology 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. 

Caltech supports entrepreneurship through various programs and resources, including the Caltech Innovation Center (CIC), which serves as an incubator space for startups. The CIC provides physical office and co-working spaces, access to equipment, and connections to researchers and industry professionals. Some Caltech entrepreneurship programs, like the Timothy D. Ryan Summer Entrepreneurship Program and the OTTCP Summer Internship in Entrepreneurship, have been offered as in-person or hybrid programs. The hybrid format, which includes online and in-person components at the CIC or startup offices, can offer flexibility for student participation. Caltech also provides career advising and resources through its CALE initiative to help students develop their ideas and connect with mentors and investors. The accessibility of these programs is enhanced by providing mentorship and support to students from diverse backgrounds.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. California Institute of Technology 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.

Caltech offers various programs and resources to support student entrepreneurship. The Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships (OTTCP) provides mentorship, workshops, and resources to help students commercialize their technologies. This includes the Timothy D. Ryan Summer Entrepreneurship Program, which helps students develop ideas into commercial products. Caltech also partners in the Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program, a post-degree program with coursework on business strategy, practices, and leadership skills. The Caltech Entrepreneurship Club hosts educational speaker series and networking events. Additionally, courses like "Scientific and Technology Entrepreneurship" are available.

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 California Institute of Technology'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 California Institute of Technology 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