The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Chalmers University of Technology Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Chalmers University 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 Chalmers University 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.

Chalmers University of Technology's local incubators, such as Chalmers Ventures, provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. They connect startups with experienced mentors, including local business angels, corporate leaders, and alumni. These mentors offer guidance on business strategy, market analysis, and product development, leveraging their industry expertise and networks. The value of local mentors lies in their understanding of the regional ecosystem and their ability to provide tailored support, helping startups navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Chalmers Ventures employs full-time business coaches who typically supervise multiple startups, providing weekly progress reviews. This hands-on approach, combined with access to a wide network of professionals, is crucial for the development and growth of early-stage companies.

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.

Chalmers University of Technology supports student startups through its innovation ecosystem, primarily via Chalmers Ventures. Chalmers Ventures acts as both a startup incubator and a seed fund. They offer incubation and acceleration programs providing mentorship, business development resources, networking, and office space. For funding, Chalmers Ventures provides seed financing directly and through the Chalmers Innovation Seed Fund (CISF), focusing on early-stage companies with growth potential in technology, life sciences, and industrial innovation. They aim to be the first financier for these companies, with investments potentially ranging from 500,000 SEK to 10 million SEK from their innovation fund. Additionally, they facilitate connections with external investors and business angels. Student teams from the Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship can also be matched with technology ideas to develop them into ventures, with potential for investment if successful.

By choosing EWOR, Chalmers University 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. 

Chalmers University of Technology's local incubators, notably Chalmers Ventures and Founders Loft at A Working Lab, cultivate a strong network and community for students. These incubators provide a dynamic environment where students can connect with researchers, industry experts, investors, and other entrepreneurs. Through incubation and acceleration programs, students gain access to mentorship, business development resources, and networking opportunities. They can collaborate with researchers and tap into the university's resources to develop their ideas. The community facilitates the building of connections and collaboration, helping students refine their business concepts and navigate the challenges of the startup journey. This includes support with legal and administrative aspects, as well as access to potential funding.

While local incubators at Chalmers University 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. 

Chalmers University of Technology's innovation support system includes Chalmers Ventures, which functions as an incubator and seed fund. This structure supports both researchers and students in commercializing ideas and research. The Master's program in Entrepreneurship and Business Design involves students developing real innovation projects, often leading to startups with Chalmers as a co-owner. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all incubator programs aren't explicitly stated, the emphasis on physical co-location in some incubator models and the use of makerspaces suggests a significant in-person component. The "Entrepreneurial Leadership Lab" also involves collaboration between researchers, students, and external organizations, implying in-person interaction. This structure, particularly the in-person elements and the integration with specific Master's programs, likely impacts student participation by favoring those who can be physically present and are enrolled in relevant programs.

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

Chalmers University of Technology's local incubators, particularly Chalmers Ventures, offer comprehensive educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs. This includes incubation and acceleration programs providing mentorship, business development resources, and networking opportunities. They offer training and workshops on various topics to help startups develop skills and knowledge. Chalmers Ventures also assists with business strategy, market positioning, and product development through customized programs and workshops. A key element is the collaboration with the Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship, which offers a Master's program with a strong focus on hands-on, action-based learning and venture creation. Students in this program work on real innovation projects, sometimes leading to the formation of startup companies. The "Tech Matching for Encubation" program specifically pairs researchers and innovators with entrepreneurship students to evaluate and commercialize ideas. Additionally, Chalmers offers "Tracks" courses, which are elective and connect students with societal challenges, including those related to sustainable entrepreneurship.

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 Chalmers University 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 Chalmers University 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