The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 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 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 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.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's startup support, including its incubators, offers valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. They provide access to a network of experienced individuals, including academic mentors (professors), startup consultants, and coaches. These local mentors offer crucial support by sharing innovative know-how from university research and providing access to the university's infrastructure. Startup consultants serve as central contact persons, offering initial counseling and intensive support throughout the startup phases. This guidance helps founders validate ideas, develop their business, and prepare for funding applications. The network of coaches and mentors provides external expertise and experience, significantly increasing the chances of successful company formation.

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.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin supports student startups through its local incubators and the Humboldt Startup Program. This program guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the Prepare, Launch, and Grow phases. For seed funding, students can apply for the EXIST Business Start-up Grant, a nationwide program providing living costs, material resources, and coaching for up to a year. Additionally, the Berlin Startup Scholarship, supported by the Berlin Senate and the European Social Fund, offers stipends and resources for innovative, technology-based projects. These programs, along with access to co-working spaces, office space in incubators, and expert consulting, help students develop their ideas into marketable companies.

By choosing EWOR, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 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. 

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's local incubators foster a strong community for students and researchers interested in entrepreneurship. The Startup Service provides information and practical assistance, with incubators in Adlershof and Mitte offering co-working spaces that facilitate connections and idea development. As part of the Science & Startups network with other Berlin universities, HU offers access to a wider ecosystem of resources, know-how, and funding. Students can participate in startup courses and join the Humboldt Founders Club to network with other founders. The Humboldt Innovators Network also connects innovation-driven alumni with the academic community, providing networking opportunities and access to university resources. These initiatives help students build valuable connections and collaborate on innovative projects.

While local incubators at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 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. 

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers startup support through its Humboldt Startupservice and Humboldt-Innovation GmbH. This includes the Humboldt Startup Program, which guides ventures through "Prepare," "Launch," and "Grow" phases. They provide consulting, workshops, and access to a startup network. The university has physical incubator spaces in Berlin-Mitte and Adlershof, offering co-working facilities. The "Launch" phase of the Humboldt Startup Program involves working full-time in these incubators. While the "Prepare" phase mentions using co-working space, the overall program structure suggests a strong in-person component, particularly during the intensive "Launch" phase. This physical presence in incubators and co-working spaces indicates a primarily in-person or hybrid model, impacting student participation by requiring physical presence for certain stages.

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

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's local incubators, like the HU Startup Incubator and Adlershof Founder's Lab, offer comprehensive educational support to students and researchers. This includes workshops, courses, and learning modules designed to build entrepreneurial skills. They provide guidance on developing business plans, applying for funding, and navigating the startup world. Programs like the Humboldt Startup Program offer support through "Prepare," "Launch," and "Grow" phases, with consulting, coaching, and mentoring. Students can also gain practical experience through initiatives like the Innovation Lab, which focuses on developing solutions for industry challenges and fostering skills like problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking. The university's Venture Service acts as a central point of contact, offering consultations and access to training opportunities.

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 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin'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 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 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