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

As a student at Purdue 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 Purdue 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.

Purdue University's local incubators, such as those within the Purdue Research Park network and Purdue Innovates, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. Local mentors provide crucial insights, helping founders refine business strategies, develop go-to-market plans, and identify key metrics for success. This guidance is vital for de-risking ideas and preparing companies for growth and potential investment. The network of mentors challenges conventional thinking and helps entrepreneurs build a well-rounded understanding of their ventures. Programs like SVBIG specifically focus on mentoring early-stage, technology-based companies with venture-scale potential.

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.

Purdue University offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its entrepreneurial ecosystem, including local incubators like the Purdue Foundry and the Purdue Research Park network. These resources connect students with potential funding sources and provide support for commercializing their ideas. Purdue Innovates manages several funds, such as the Black and Gold Fund and the Foundry Investment Fund, which offer pre-seed and seed funding to Purdue-connected startups. Additionally, programs like the Ag-celerator Fund specifically support AgTech innovations. Students can also explore pitch competitions like the Moonshot Pitch Challenge and the New Venture Challenge, which help prepare them for fundraising and market entry. The university's commitment to fostering student entrepreneurship is evident in its various programs and resources aimed at turning innovative ideas into successful businesses.

By choosing EWOR, Purdue 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. 

Purdue University's local incubators foster a strong network and community for students interested in entrepreneurship. Organizations like The Anvil and the Entrepreneurship Society provide supportive environments for teamwork, idea exchange, and innovation. They connect students with industry leaders, mentors, and investors, empowering them to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Purdue Innovates also offers programs like the Moonshot Pitch Challenge and New Venture Challenge, which help students develop ideas and prepare for market entry. Resources such as the Purdue Foundry, located in the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, specifically aim to help students, faculty, and alumni launch companies and move ideas to the marketplace. This interconnected ecosystem provides students with valuable connections and collaborative opportunities to build their startups.

While local incubators at Purdue 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. 

Purdue University's entrepreneurial ecosystem includes the Purdue Innovates Incubator and the Purdue Technology Center. The Purdue Innovates Accelerator, part of this system, operates as a hybrid program with both in-person and remote components. This hybrid structure, including weeks in West Lafayette and Indianapolis, aims to connect startups with Indiana resources. Accessibility is a focus, with the university offering various accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure full participation in programs. The hybrid and remote options within some programs, like the legal incubator program through Purdue Global Law School, can enhance accessibility for students who may not be able to participate in person. This flexibility can potentially increase student participation by removing geographical barriers and accommodating diverse needs and circumstances.

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

Purdue University's local incubators, such as those within Purdue Innovates and the Purdue Research Park, offer various educational supports for aspiring entrepreneurs. These include programs like Firestarter, a six-week program for founders, and Market Readiness workshops for venture-backable startups. The university also provides the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with courses covering introduction to entrepreneurship, marketing, and management for new ventures. Additionally, there are specialized programs like the Purdue Ag-celerator, which supports AgTech startups with funding, mentorship, and market entry strategies. Purdue Global also offers a "Starting a Small Business" course and a Business Start-up Fundamentals Micro-credential. These resources aim to equip students with essential business planning, management, and marketing skills.

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 Purdue 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 Purdue 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