The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons National University of Singapore Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at National University of Singapore, 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 National University of Singapore 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.

NUS local incubators, such as BLOCK71, provide dedicated mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs. This support is crucial for navigating the challenges of building a new business. Local mentors offer valuable insights into the Singaporean market and connect startups with the local business ecosystem, including funding bodies and industry experts. They provide guidance on business strategy, market entry, and growth, helping founders refine their ideas and business models. This personalized mentorship, combined with networking opportunities, helps early-stage companies integrate into the local environment and increases their chances of 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.

National University of Singapore (NUS) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programmes, primarily managed by NUS Enterprise. One key programme is the NUS Venture Initiation Programme (VIP), which provides up to S$10,000 for a 12-month term to NUS students and alumni with innovative ideas. Additionally, the Startup SG Founder grant, supported by NUS as an Accredited Mentor Partner, offers matching grants of S$20,000 to S$50,000 for first-time entrepreneurs. NUS also has initiatives like BLOCK71, a tech ecosystem builder with co-working spaces and resources for startups, including early-stage ones led by NUS-affiliated individuals at The Hangar. The university's commitment to entrepreneurship is further demonstrated through scholarships that can include seed funding for graduates pursuing their ventures.

By choosing EWOR, National University of Singapore 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. 

NUS Enterprise's local incubators, such as BLOCK71, cultivate a vibrant community to help students build connections and collaborate. These spaces act as ecosystem builders and global connectors, aggregating the startup community. They offer collaborative spaces and host events like pitch nights, workshops, and industry talks, providing valuable networking opportunities. Students can connect with fellow startups, mentors, investors, and industry partners. NUS also integrates students into the broader ecosystem through initiatives like the Student Entrepreneurship Community, fostering connections between current and future founders. The incubators emphasize a spirit of collaboration and partnership, optimizing the unique experiences of individuals and leveraging the university's resources.

While local incubators at National University of Singapore 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. 

NUS Enterprise is a key player in the Singapore startup ecosystem, with initiatives like BLOCK71 serving as a global network of co-working spaces and incubation hubs. These locations provide physical spaces for startups and offer comprehensive support including mentorship, funding access, and networking opportunities. While some programs, like the NUS Young Fellowship Program, have on-site components, the structure of NUS incubators appears to be adaptable, with some programs incorporating online or hybrid elements. This flexibility, particularly the inclusion of remote or hybrid options, can enhance student participation by overcoming geographical barriers and allowing for a better balance with academic commitments. NUS also emphasizes accessibility in its online content for various programs.

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

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore, offers extensive educational support through its "incubator without walls" ecosystem. This includes experiential education, entrepreneurial support, and industry engagement. They provide programs like the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) NUS Startup Founder, which covers developing business ideas, securing financing, financial decision-making, and digital marketing. Other initiatives include the GRIP Programme for deep tech startups and the Summer Programme for undergraduates. These programs often involve workshops, lectures, hands-on activities, and mentorship to help students develop the necessary skills to launch and scale businesses.

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 National University of Singapore'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 National University of Singapore 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