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

As a student at Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.

Kyoto University's local incubators provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced local mentors, including successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and university experts. The mentors offer guidance on various aspects of building a business, such as business plan development, fundraising, and navigating the local ecosystem. This local expertise is crucial for startups to understand the specific market dynamics and cultural nuances of Kyoto and Japan. The mentorship helps entrepreneurs refine their ideas, develop practical skills, and build essential networks, contributing to their growth and success.

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.

Kyoto University offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and related initiatives. The Growth Strategy Headquarters provides seed funding and connects students with potential angel investors. KYOTO-iCAP, a wholly owned investment firm of the university, focuses on investing in startups commercializing university research and helps connect entrepreneurs with funds for seed projects. While specific grant programs for student startups weren't detailed, the university's overall support for entrepreneurship includes business skills training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Additionally, collaborations like the one with NUS and TIS Inc. offer acceleration programs and potential seed to Series A funding for deep tech startups with a connection to Kyoto University.

By choosing EWOR, Kyoto 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. 

Kyoto University's local incubators foster a strong network and community to support student entrepreneurship. Organizations like the Office of Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation (SACI) and Kyoto University Innovation Capital (Kyoto iCAP) are central to this ecosystem. They provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, connecting students with experienced professionals, investors, and established companies. The community helps students build connections through various initiatives, including entrepreneurship education programs and events. Facilities like Innovation Hub Kyoto serve as central points for interaction and collaboration. This environment encourages students to develop their ideas, access expertise, and form collaborations, facilitating the transition from research to commercialization. The focus is on nurturing entrepreneurial spirits and supporting the creation of new ventures.

While local incubators at Kyoto 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. 

Kyoto University offers various entrepreneurship programs with differing structures and accessibility. Some programs, like the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, are online, allowing for international participation. Others, such as the Kyoto Startup Summer School, have historically been in-person, providing hands-on workshops and networking opportunities, though they have also adapted to online formats. The university also collaborates with entities like Kyoto Research Park, a private incubation facility offering physical space and resources. The mix of in-person, online, and potentially hybrid formats impacts student participation by offering flexibility for those who cannot be physically present while still providing valuable in-person interaction and access to facilities for others.

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

Kyoto University offers robust educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs through its local incubators and related initiatives. The Office of Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation (SACI) is central to these efforts, promoting entrepreneurship education and building a startup ecosystem. They provide unique educational programs for students and support for startups. Workshops, courses, and learning modules are available to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. The Kyoto Startup Summer School, for instance, offers modules, workshops, and lectures covering various startup topics, including design entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, digital prototyping, and social entrepreneurship. The university also facilitates programs connecting researchers with business professionals and provides opportunities for students to participate in business idea competitions. Additionally, the Graduate School of Management focuses on nurturing business leaders and entrepreneurs.

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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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