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

As a student at Osaka 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 Osaka 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.

Osaka University's local incubators provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced mentors, including seasoned entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and experts across various sectors. The value of local mentors lies in their deep understanding of the Japanese market dynamics, consumer preferences, and cultural nuances, which is crucial for tailoring products and services effectively. They offer practical guidance on navigating local regulations, business practices, and potential challenges. Mentors support entrepreneurs in developing business plans, refining ideas, and building essential networks within the local ecosystem. This localized support helps early-stage companies reduce overhead costs, make more efficient decisions, and increase their chances of success in the Japanese market.

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.

Osaka University actively supports student startups through various funding opportunities and incubation programs. The university has its own venture capital arm, Osaka University Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (OUVC), which provides investment to startups, including those utilizing the university's research. They offer pre-incubation activities and support entrepreneurial endeavors through a Gap Fund. Additionally, the Osaka University Innovators' Club is a core program that supports student entrepreneurship activities and provides entrepreneurship education. The university also collaborates with external organizations and has on-campus incubation facilities available to students interested in launching a startup. Furthermore, initiatives like the Osaka-Kyoto-Hyogo Consortium, known as Kansai Startup Mashups, aim to promote the Kansai startup ecosystem and connect startups with investors. Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH), a separate entity, also provides support programs, mentoring, and pitch events for startups in the Osaka area.

By choosing EWOR, Osaka 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. 

Osaka University's local incubators foster a network and community that supports student entrepreneurship. The university promotes pre-incubation activities and provides on-campus facilities for startups, teachers, researchers, and students interested in launching ventures. They also coordinate programs like the Osaka University Innovators' Club to support student entrepreneurial activities and education. Collaboration with external organizations and a network of private venture capital firms further strengthens the support system. Events like pitch competitions and showcases help connect students with potential investors and industry experts, facilitating networking and collaboration. The university's focus on industry-university co-creation and programs like the "Innovation Education Programs" aim to equip students with the skills and connections needed to create innovation and build businesses.

While local incubators at Osaka 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. 

Osaka University supports student entrepreneurship through various initiatives, including on-campus incubation facilities and programs like the Innovators' Club. These facilities provide physical space and support services for university-initiated startups, teachers, researchers, and students interested in launching ventures. The university also collaborates with external organizations and venture capital firms to build a support network. While some programs may have in-person components, Osaka University has embraced hybrid teaching, suggesting a move towards incorporating remote or hybrid elements in their educational and support structures. This hybrid approach can increase accessibility for students who may face constraints with fully in-person programs, potentially boosting student participation in entrepreneurship activities. Some programs also offer online learning options.

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

Osaka University's local incubators, such as the Global Japanese Studies Education and Research Incubator, support educational and research goals through collaborative projects. The Center for Advanced Education in Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers the "Fledge" program, providing lectures and seminars on entrepreneurship, business planning, and practice. These include courses on business idea creation, design thinking, and practical knowledge for startups. They also offer e-learning content for the basics of entrepreneurship. Additionally, programs like the "Global Workshop Program," organized with the Osaka Industrial Promotion Foundation (Osaka Innovation Hub), provide hands-on experience, international exposure, and skill enhancement through workshops and networking.

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 Osaka 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 Osaka 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