The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Lomonosov Moscow State University Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Lomonosov Moscow State 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 Lomonosov Moscow State 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.

Lomonosov Moscow State University's business incubator provides mentorship and assistance to help early-stage entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. This includes guidance from experienced market practitioners. Local mentors, often successful founders and CEOs, offer valuable insights by sharing their experiences, best practices, and feedback. They help startups avoid common mistakes and build a strong foundation. The incubator also connects startups with potential clients, partners, and investors.

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.

Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) has a business incubator that supports student startups. Established in 2004, the incubator provides instructional and consultative support to resident companies. While specific details on current seed funding or grant programs directly from MSU's local incubators are not readily available in recent search results, past information indicates that resident companies have received initial funds for development from investing partners. Annually, a selection of projects participate in the program, with some receiving further funding. The incubator also facilitates connections with investors through events like Demo Days.

By choosing EWOR, Lomonosov Moscow State 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. 

Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) has a business incubator that fosters a community to help students build connections and collaborate. The incubator provides professional mentorship and assistance, including an educational curriculum from market practitioners. It offers free coworking space and connects startups with venture capital funds and IT firms for potential seed investments. This environment facilitates networking with potential clients, partners, and investors. The MSU Business School also has a strong alumni community that supports current students through master classes, company visits, and internships, contributing to a network of business professionals.

While local incubators at Lomonosov Moscow State 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. 

Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) has an innovation infrastructure that includes business incubators and a Science Park aimed at supporting small innovative enterprises and fostering technological entrepreneurship. These structures provide various services, including technical, material, socio-cultural, and financial support, as well as specialized training programs and seminars. While the MSU Science Park is intended to be an incubator and a testing ground for advanced technologies, the business incubator is managed virtually, meaning enterprises don't need to be physically located together. This virtual aspect suggests a hybrid or remote component to their programs, potentially increasing accessibility for students. The university also offers various clubs and organizations, including a Business Club and Business Incubator, with some activities, like the Cinema Club, continuing remotely via platforms like Zoom. This blend of in-person and remote elements likely impacts student participation by offering flexibility while still providing opportunities for engagement and support.

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

Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) offers educational support for entrepreneurial skill development through various avenues, particularly via the MSU Business School and its Business Incubator. The Business School provides a range of programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, with courses focusing on entrepreneurship, business planning, management, and marketing. Students can participate in workshops, master classes, and lectures often featuring successful entrepreneurs. The curriculum incorporates practical training, case studies, and business games to enhance learning. The MSU Business Incubator actively involves students in developing business plans and conducting market research, aiming to foster new enterprises. Additionally, there are student organizations like the MSU Business Club and MSU Business Incubator that students interested in startups are encouraged to explore.

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 Lomonosov Moscow State 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 Lomonosov Moscow State 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