The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Hong Kong Polytechnic 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 Hong Kong Polytechnic 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.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) local incubators offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. Local mentors provide crucial guidance, leveraging their knowledge of the Hong Kong market and business landscape. This support helps entrepreneurs refine business plans, navigate challenges, and access vital networks. The mentorship aims to accelerate growth and increase the chances of success for new ventures in the local ecosystem.

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.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) offers various funding opportunities through its entrepreneurship ecosystem to support student startups. A key initiative is the PolyU Micro Fund Scheme, which provides seed funding to students and alumni to help launch their ventures. This scheme offers grants, including a HK$20,000 cash prize in the first assessment stage and a HK$100,000 seed fund in the second stage. Beyond funding, the Micro Fund also provides pre-incubation support like mentorship and training. PolyU also collaborates with external partners, such as the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP), to offer further incubation opportunities and potential additional funding. Other initiatives like the Good Seed programme also provide seed funding, specifically for social innovation projects.

By choosing EWOR, Hong Kong Polytechnic 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. 

PolyU's local incubators foster a vibrant community that helps students build connections and collaborate. Through initiatives like PolyU InnoHub and partnerships with organizations such as Cyberport and HKSTP, students gain access to co-working spaces, mentorship, and networking events. These platforms connect students with industry professionals, investors, and other entrepreneurs, both locally and internationally. The incubators also facilitate collaboration through tailored programs, industry training, and opportunities for internships and professional exchanges. This integrated approach helps students commercialize their innovations and accelerate their ventures.

While local incubators at Hong Kong Polytechnic 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. 

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) offers various incubation programs to support students, alumni, and staff in their entrepreneurial endeavors. These programs provide funding, mentorship, and resources. PolyU has established PolyU InnoHubs in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, offering co-working spaces and facilities. These hubs facilitate networking and training activities, bringing together students, staff, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all PolyU incubator programs are not explicitly stated, the existence of physical InnoHubs suggests an in-person component. However, PolyU has also implemented remote access solutions for students to utilize university resources, indicating an adaptation to hybrid or remote learning environments, which could potentially extend to some aspects of incubator support. The accessibility of programs, whether in-person or with remote options, impacts student participation by offering flexibility and potentially reaching a wider range of students.

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

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) offers substantial educational support through its local incubators to foster entrepreneurial skills. The Institute for Entrepreneurship (IfE) provides a range of services, including entrepreneurship education, funding, and incubation support. This includes access to rent-free co-working spaces and prototyping facilities. PolyU offers various workshops and courses to help students develop their entrepreneurial capabilities. These cover essential areas such as idea generation, design thinking, business proposal writing, negotiation, and pitching. They also provide training in areas like mechanical design, 3D printing, electronics, and programming for those in relevant fields. Additionally, PolyU offers a Professional Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership. The university also collaborates with partners to offer programs that include practical industry guidance and mentoring.

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 Hong Kong Polytechnic 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 Hong Kong Polytechnic 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