The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Pohang University of Science And Technology Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Pohang University of Science And Technology, 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 Pohang University of Science And Technology 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.

Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH) supports early-stage entrepreneurs through its local incubators and programs like the Innopolis Campus Project. These initiatives connect startups with experienced mentors, including venture capitalists and accelerators, for one-on-one guidance. Local mentors provide valuable insights on business models, strategy, marketing, and operations, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls. This local expertise, combined with networking opportunities, helps startups refine their ideas, access funding, and accelerate growth within the regional ecosystem. The focus on local connections leverages the strong academic and industrial base in Pohang to foster a supportive environment for 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.

Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH) actively supports student entrepreneurship through various programs and initiatives. The POSTECH Student Entrepreneurship Team, established in 2019, provides education, mentoring, and opportunities for students to develop their startup ideas. They manage programs like the Pohang Startup Club, which offers up to 2 million KRW per team to help create a minimum viable product (MVP). POSTECH Holdings also plays a role, with a mission that includes investment in technology startups and operating growth support programs, including seed investment and commercialization network links. Additionally, POSTECH offers a Pathfinder Program, a grant providing students with 10 million KRW for self-driven learning activities, which can include entrepreneurial endeavors. The university also collaborates with entities like POSCO, which operates the CHANGeUP GROUND Pohang incubator, providing space and support for startups.

By choosing EWOR, Pohang University of Science And Technology 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. 

POSTECH's local incubators, such as CHANGeUP GROUND Pohang and those supported by POSTECH Holdings, cultivate a network focused on technology-based startups. These initiatives connect students with experts, provide mentorship, and offer programs like networking events and pitch days to facilitate connections and collaboration. The university's strong ties with industry, particularly POSCO, and its focus on research and development create an environment that supports entrepreneurial endeavors and provides opportunities for students to build valuable relationships within the startup ecosystem. This community helps students develop ideas, access funding, and gain practical experience.

While local incubators at Pohang University of Science And Technology 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. 

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is closely linked with the startup incubator "CHANGeUP GROUND Pohang," operated by POSCO. Located at POSTECH, this incubator aims to foster venture companies by leveraging Pohang's advanced science and technology infrastructure. It provides a physical space totaling 28,000 square meters for startups in various fields. While the information emphasizes the physical location and on-site resources, details on whether the programs are exclusively in-person, remote, or hybrid are not explicitly stated. However, the presence of a large physical space and the focus on utilizing local infrastructure suggest a strong in-person component. The impact on student participation would likely be positive for those able to be physically present, offering direct access to facilities, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The accessibility for students who require remote participation is unclear from the available information.

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

Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH) offers various educational support through its local incubators and programs to foster entrepreneurial skills. This includes entrepreneurship support programs, startup seminars, and training to build entrepreneurial capacity. POSTECH also provides entrepreneurship education covering topics like idea generation, market exploration, and innovation. Students can benefit from an Entrepreneurship minor, which combines academic knowledge with business education, and programs like the Entrepreneurship Leave of Absence and Credit System. Additionally, POSTECH operates the Gifted Entrepreneurs Training Center, offering a "4D" education model focused on developing technology-based commercialization capabilities through topics such as creativity, intellectual property, and business management. The university also collaborates with external incubators like CHANGeUP GROUND Pohang, which provides infrastructure and programs for startups.

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 Pohang University of Science And Technology'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 Pohang University of Science And Technology 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