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

As a student at Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.

Penn State's local incubators, part of the Invent Penn State network, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These incubators connect startups with experienced local mentors who provide one-on-one guidance, leveraging their industry knowledge and practical expertise. This local focus is crucial as mentors understand the regional market and can connect entrepreneurs with relevant community resources and networks. Mentors assist with various aspects of business development, including business planning, financial forecasting, market research, and navigating the legal landscape. This support helps de-risk new ventures and accelerates their growth within the local ecosystem. Programs like the Idea TestLab and FastTrack Accelerator specifically incorporate mentorship to help entrepreneurs refine their ideas and develop sustainable businesses.

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.

Penn State's local incubators, part of the Invent Penn State initiative, offer various funding opportunities for student startups. These include seed funding and grant programs designed to help student entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures. For instance, the Lion LaunchPad offers Microgrants of up to $500 to help student teams with initial expenses like prototyping and legal fees. Additionally, programs like the Student Enterprise Award provide seed money to support innovative student ideas. Penn State also connects startups with potential investors and offers resources like the 1855 Capital fund, which provides seed and early-stage venture capital to Penn State-affiliated companies. Competitions like the Invent Penn State Inc.U Competition also award significant funding prizes to student startups.

By choosing EWOR, Pennsylvania 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. 

Penn State's local incubators, part of the Invent Penn State initiative, foster a strong community for student entrepreneurs. This network includes 23 LaunchBoxes and innovation spaces across the state, providing resources and specialized programs. Students can access mentorship from faculty and local business professionals, attend networking events like Global Entrepreneurship Week, and participate in programs like the Summer Founders Program, which offers funding and dedicated workspace. Organizations like the Nittany Entrepreneur Society also connect students with experienced individuals and host workshops and events. This interconnected community helps students build crucial connections, collaborate on ideas, and gain access to resources and expertise to develop their ventures.

While local incubators at Pennsylvania 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. 

Penn State offers various resources for entrepreneurs, including local incubators and programs like the Happy Valley LaunchBox and Innovation Park. These initiatives provide space, resources, and mentorship. While some programs may have in-person components, such as dedicated space in facilities like 331 Innovation Boulevard, Penn State also utilizes hybrid and remote work structures. The university has a commitment to accessibility and is working to ensure its resources and technology are accessible to all, including those with disabilities. The mix of in-person and remote options can impact student participation, potentially offering flexibility for some while requiring on-campus presence for others depending on the specific program's structure.

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

Penn State's local incubators, part of the Invent Penn State initiative, offer diverse educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs. The LaunchBox & Innovation Network, with locations across the state, provides resources like business plan coaching and Idea Test Lab programs. They also host workshops on topics such as website development, digital marketing, and podcasting. The Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in State College is a central point, offering rapid prototyping labs, co-working spaces, and workshops. These spaces facilitate skill-building and provide access to expert guidance. Additionally, Penn State offers academic programs like the Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI) minor, which includes courses on entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, and new venture creation. Online resources, such as the "Customer Discovery 101" module, are also available to guide entrepreneurs through crucial early steps.

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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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