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

As a student at Lund 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 Lund 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.

Lund University's local incubators, such as VentureLab and Ideon Innovation, provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. VentureLab, now integrated into LU Innovation, offers coaching from business developers and access to a large network. Ideon Innovation also provides mentorship as part of its comprehensive program for early-stage companies. The value of local mentors lies in their ability to offer real-life insights, guidance, and feedback based on their industry and business expertise. They help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a business, from refining ideas and developing business plans to accessing funding and networking. Programs like SPARK also offer student-to-student mentoring, lowering the barriers to seeking help and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. This local support is crucial for the survival and growth 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.

Lund University offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its innovation ecosystem, including incubators like VentureLab and Ideon Innovation. VentureLab specifically supports students and recent graduates in developing business ideas and starting companies. LU Innovation, the central hub for innovation and commercialization, provides free business advice, verification support, and market/IP screening. They also offer financial support programs like Test Support (up to SEK 20,000) for early idea assessment and the Leapfrogs scholarship (SEK 40,000) for students to work full-time on their ventures during the summer. For projects with clear growth potential, an Accelerator program offers up to SEK 200,000 for student projects. Additionally, LU Ventures can provide equity capital for scalable, unique companies with significant growth potential.

By choosing EWOR, Lund 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. 

Lund University's local incubators, such as VentureLab, foster a strong community to help students connect and collaborate. VentureLab, part of LU Innovation, provides free workspace and a vibrant community for students and recent graduates to develop their ideas. They offer events, programs, and coaching sessions that encourage networking and idea exchange. Students can meet other entrepreneurs, gain new perspectives, and build valuable connections with industry professionals. Initiatives like the IDEA++ program also link students with researchers, promoting collaboration on converting research into potential companies. This ecosystem, supported by LU Innovation and other regional partners, creates a fertile ground for student entrepreneurship and innovation.

While local incubators at Lund 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. 

Lund University's primary incubator, VentureLab by LU Innovation, offers a physical space for students and researchers to develop their ideas. Located at X-Lab, Lund University's makerspace, it provides free office space, a community environment, and 24/7 access. While the incubator itself is a physical location, the broader support from LU Innovation includes coaching and events, which may offer some flexibility. The emphasis on a physical space and community suggests an in-person or hybrid model, where the physical location is central but potentially supplemented by remote resources. This structure can foster collaboration and provide access to facilities like labs, which benefits student participation by offering tangible resources and networking opportunities. However, it might limit accessibility for students who are unable to be physically present in Lund.

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

Lund University's local incubators, such as VentureLab and Ideon Innovation, offer significant educational support to foster entrepreneurial skills. VentureLab, specifically a student incubator, provides business advice, resources, and a network for students and researchers to develop ideas and start companies. Ideon Innovation also supports entrepreneurs and companies through various activities and resources. The university offers courses and programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, including a Master's program. These programs often incorporate action-reflection teaching methods and connections with local companies and support systems. Workshops and guest lectures by experts are also part of the educational offerings. Additionally, there are opportunities for internships within incubators and organizations in the Lund innovation district.

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 Lund 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 Lund 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