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

As a student at Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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.

Lancaster University offers various mentorship opportunities through its incubators and enterprise initiatives to support early-stage entrepreneurs. A key component is the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiR) network, comprising experienced business leaders who provide one-to-one mentoring and share real-world insights. This network offers local, regional, national, and international perspectives. Programmes like the former U Start project provided non-financial support, including mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs tailored to business needs. The value of local mentors lies in their understanding of the regional business landscape and their ability to provide relevant connections and practical advice to help early-stage businesses de-risk and plan for growth. The university's focus is on developing entrepreneurial leaders and supporting the resilience and sustainability of new ventures.

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.

Lancaster University supports student startups through various initiatives and funding opportunities. Their local incubators provide a supportive environment for developing business ideas. Through a partnership with Santander Universities, students can access awards ranging from £500 to £1000 for new ventures. The university also has a venture capital program with Campus Capital, offering between £50,000 and £200,000 to early-stage, high-growth potential companies in the Lancashire region, with students involved in the investment decisions. Additionally, the Enterprise Fund, also supported by Santander Universities, can contribute up to £500 for collaborative innovation projects. The university's enterprise centre and Entrepreneurs in Residence provide mentoring and advice to help students develop their business ideas.

By choosing EWOR, Lancaster 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. 

Lancaster University fosters a network and community within its local incubators to support student entrepreneurship. This includes the LU Entrepreneurship Society, which provides a platform for students to connect, share ideas, and develop them through workshops, competitions, and speakers. The university also offers start-up support, including one-to-one meetings with a Start-up Advisor and access to funding opportunities. Additionally, the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence community connects students with experienced business owners, enhancing their understanding of entrepreneurship and providing valuable insights. This comprehensive approach helps students build connections, collaborate, and gain practical experience.

While local incubators at Lancaster 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. 

Lancaster University offers entrepreneurship support through various avenues, including InfoLab21, a dedicated ICT Centre of Excellence with business incubation facilities. The Management School also hosts an extensive network of Entrepreneurs in Residence who mentor students. While InfoLab21 provides a physical space for digital businesses, the university also incorporates hybrid and potentially remote elements in its programs. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc, for instance, includes workshops and opportunities to develop business ideas with support from the enterprise centre and mentors. The shift towards flexible working and hybrid models, accelerated by recent events, suggests an increasing integration of remote access in educational and entrepreneurial support. This hybrid approach can enhance student participation by offering flexibility for those who may face barriers to in-person attendance. The university also emphasizes digital accessibility and provides resources to support students with various needs.

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

Lancaster University's local incubators and enterprise support services offer various educational opportunities to foster entrepreneurial skills. These include workshops and modules covering areas like design thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurial labs. Students can benefit from practical experience, academic expertise, and networking opportunities with a large network of Entrepreneurs in Residence. The university also offers specific programs like the Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc, which focuses on identifying opportunities, acquiring resources, and managing business growth. Additionally, there are initiatives like the Secure Digitalisation Accelerator Programme and the Zero-Day Entrepreneurship program, targeting specific sectors like cyber security. These programs often involve mentoring and real-world projects to help students develop their business ideas.

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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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