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

As a student at Qatar 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 Qatar 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.

Qatar University's Business Incubator (QUBI) focuses on fostering entrepreneurship among its students and faculty. QUBI provides mentorship, training, and resources to help early-stage entrepreneurs develop their business ideas. Local mentors, often experienced business owners and experts affiliated with the university, offer valuable personal coaching and guidance. This local expertise is crucial for navigating the specific challenges and opportunities within the Qatari market and connecting with the local business community. Mentors assist with various aspects of business development, including ideation, customer validation, sales, marketing, financial planning, and profitability.

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.

Qatar University's Business Incubator (QUBI) is specifically designed to support student and faculty startups. QUBI provides funding opportunities, coaching, and training to help entrepreneurs develop their business ideas. They offer seed funding as initial financial support for promising startups. Additionally, the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (SIEED) at QU also offers pre-seed funds and facilitates access to external funding for university-owned ventures and startups by students, faculty, researchers, and staff. Beyond direct funding, these incubators provide valuable resources like mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help turn innovative ideas into successful businesses.

By choosing EWOR, Qatar 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. 

Qatar University's local incubators, such as Qatar University Business Incubation (QUBI), are designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem for students and faculty. QUBI provides mentorship, training, and resources to help turn ideas into businesses. This fosters a community where students can connect and collaborate on developing their ventures. The university also emphasizes outreach and engagement, building partnerships with external stakeholders, including governmental and private sectors, which can provide further networking opportunities for students within the incubators. Additionally, initiatives like the "Innovators in Education" project encourage collaboration between colleges and students to develop practical solutions. This network extends beyond the university through collaborations with organizations like Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), offering access to a wider community of mentors, investors, and industry experts.

While local incubators at Qatar 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. 

Qatar University (QU) supports entrepreneurship through its Business Incubator and the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (SIEED). These entities offer training, coaching, funding opportunities, and networking to students, alumni, faculty, and staff with innovative ideas. While specific details on the current format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all incubator programs are not consistently available, QU has utilized online platforms for pre-incubation training, indicating a capacity for remote delivery. The university also offers blended and hybrid learning options in its general curriculum. The availability of remote or hybrid options can positively impact student participation by offering flexibility, especially for those with other commitments. However, some students may still prefer in-person interaction for a more direct experience.

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

Qatar University (QU) offers educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs through its local incubators, such as the Qatar University Business Incubator (QUBI) and programs like the Knowledge Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship (KITE) initiative. These initiatives provide training, coaching, and mentorship to help students develop their business ideas and entrepreneurial skills. QU's support includes pre-incubation programs, intensive bootcamps like the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, and specialized workshops. They also offer courses, such as the ENGL 252 English for Business Communication, which incorporates entrepreneurial projects. Additionally, QU has launched an Arabic Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate Program with edX, covering key skills like business management, marketing, and innovation management. These programs aim to equip students with the practical skills and strategic insights needed to succeed in the business environment.

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 Qatar 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 Qatar 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