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

As a student at Eindhoven 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 Eindhoven 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.

Eindhoven University of Technology's local incubators, such as The Gate, offer significant mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced local mentors, including seasoned entrepreneurs and industry professionals. The value of these local mentors lies in their ability to provide practical advice, share their networks, and offer insights into the regional ecosystem. They assist with crucial aspects like business planning, market validation, funding, and navigating challenges. This guidance helps early-stage companies refine their ideas, develop strategies, and increase their chances of success in the Brainport Eindhoven region.

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.

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and initiatives. The Gate, in collaboration with partners like Braventure, serves as a key platform providing support including advice on funding and access to relevant opportunities within the Brainport region. A notable initiative is Round One Ventures, a student-run venture capital fund that specifically invests in early-stage student startups with a technological component and scalability. They offer a €5,000 voucher for materials and convertible loans ranging from €25,000 to €75,000. While TU/e itself doesn't solely focus on direct funding for student teams, it facilitates access to resources and networks, including support in securing in-kind contributions and financial backing from regional companies. Additionally, programs like the European Venture Programme, part of the EuroTech Universities Alliance, provide selected startups with access to expertise and networking across multiple European ecosystems.

By choosing EWOR, Eindhoven 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. 

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) fosters a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem through its local incubators and initiatives. These platforms connect students with a community of other early-stage startups, experienced mentors, and industry professionals. Students can access coaching, workshops, and networking events to develop their ideas and build connections. Programs like student teams and collaborations with SMEs provide opportunities for hands-on experience and valuable interactions with the Brainport region's network. This environment helps students build strategic partnerships and gain insights from experts.

While local incubators at Eindhoven 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. 

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) supports student entrepreneurship through initiatives like The Gate and the Startup Readiness Program (SRP). The Gate serves as a central platform, offering advice, training, and access to incubation programs. The SRP, in cooperation with partners, provides a structured program with modules to help startups at different stages. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all programs are not explicitly stated, university incubators often utilize a physical space on or near campus to foster community and collaboration. However, they may also incorporate online tools and resources. The availability of both in-person facilities and potentially remote support can enhance student participation by offering flexibility and access to a wider range of resources and networks. TU/e's Innovation Space also facilitates student-business collaborations through challenge-based learning, providing hands-on experience.

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

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) offers various educational support through its local incubators and initiatives to foster entrepreneurial skills. TU/e innovation Space serves as a central hub for challenge-based learning and student entrepreneurship, providing a community and facilities for interdisciplinary projects and coaching sessions. Students can access workshops focused on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, turning ideas into impact, and understanding the journey from problem to solution. There are also workshops specifically designed for student teams to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and prepare for success, covering topics like fundamentals and intellectual property. TU/e provides a range of entrepreneurship courses for Bachelor, Master, PhD, and EngD students, categorized into pathways focusing on wide entrepreneurship, focused entrepreneurship (company creation), and soft skills. Certificate programs like "Technology Entrepreneurship" are available to equip students with the knowledge and skills to transform innovative technologies into successful businesses. Additionally, joint Master's programs, such as the one in Data Science in Business and Entrepreneurship with Tilburg University, combine technical knowledge with business insights. The Business Oriented Technological System Analysis (BOTSA) program specifically aims to stimulate sustainable energy entrepreneurship through company placements and supporting curriculum. The EUt+ Incubation Program offers mentorship, learning resources, and a platform to develop ideas into market-ready products.

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 Eindhoven 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 Eindhoven 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