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

As a student at Duke 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 Duke 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.

Duke University's local incubators, such as DUhatch and the Duke-UNICEF Innovation Accelerator, provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect students and alumni with experienced local mentors who offer guidance on various aspects of building a startup, including refining business models, developing growth strategies, and navigating challenges. The value of these local mentors lies in their ability to provide practical advice, leverage their industry expertise and networks, and offer tailored support to help ventures succeed within the specific regional ecosystem. This mentorship is crucial for early-stage entrepreneurs as it helps them gain essential insights, make informed decisions, and increase their chances of long-term viability.

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.

Duke University offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. These include non-dilutive awards starting from $500 through Duke Student Startup Funding, designed to help students test ideas, build prototypes, and operate their ventures. The Seed Stage Startup Award provides up to $25,000 in non-dilutive support for full-time students with demonstrated traction. Additionally, programs like the Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs Accelerator include a $5K grant for eligible ventures. The Duke Incubation Fund also awards funding to idea-stage projects with commercial potential where at least one team member is from Duke. The Duke Angel Network, composed of alumni, provides seed capital and mentorship.

By choosing EWOR, Duke 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. 

Duke University's local incubators foster a strong network and community for students interested in entrepreneurship. Initiatives like Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E) serve as a central hub, connecting students with resources and programs across the university. Students can join various clubs and organizations, such as the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, which offer events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Incubator programs and spaces like the Innovation Co-Lab and The Cube provide physical and virtual environments for students to develop their ventures. These spaces and programs facilitate collaboration among students from different disciplines and connect them with mentors, alumni, and potential investors. The Duke I&E network extends globally, allowing students to connect with a wider community of entrepreneurs.

While local incubators at Duke 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. 

Duke University offers various programs and resources to support student entrepreneurship, including Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) and the Program for Entrepreneurs (P4E) at the Fuqua School of Business. These initiatives provide experiential learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all incubators aren't explicitly stated, Duke I&E aims to support all Duke students, regardless of their interests or goals. Some programs, like the RISE program, explicitly mention that both in-person, hybrid, and fully remote opportunities are eligible for funding, with hybrid requiring at least two on-site days per week. This flexibility in format likely enhances student participation by accommodating different needs and locations.

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

Duke University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) initiative is a central hub for entrepreneurial support. It offers educational programs and resources to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. Through the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy, Duke I&E provides free sessions to students, faculty, staff, and community members. These offerings are built on real-world experiences, encouraging learning by doing through partnerships with startups and working on their own ventures. Students can also take courses across various disciplines with world-class faculty. Additionally, programs like the Duke Student Founders Program offer experiential education, mentoring, and resources for students interested in creating and launching startups. The Duke-UNICEF Innovation Accelerator also supports social entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and support.

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 Duke 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 Duke 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