The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Sapienza University of Rome Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Sapienza University of Rome, 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 Sapienza University of Rome 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.

Sapienza University of Rome supports early-stage entrepreneurs through its Business Innovation Hub (BIH) and the Sapienza Innovation & Entrepreneurship HUB (SIEH). These initiatives provide access to mentoring programs and networking opportunities with industry experts. Local mentors offer valuable guidance, leveraging their experience within the Roman ecosystem to help startups navigate challenges and connect with relevant resources. This support is crucial for developing business ideas, validating projects, and preparing for launch. The focus on local expertise helps entrepreneurs build a strong foundation within their immediate 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.

Sapienza University of Rome actively supports student entrepreneurship through its local incubators and initiatives. The Sapienza Innovation & Entrepreneurship HUB (SIEH), formerly "Saperi & Co.", is a key platform offering entrepreneurial training, incubation, and acceleration programs for university-based startups and spin-offs. While specific details on dedicated seed funding or grant programs exclusively for student startups through SIEH require further direct inquiry, the university facilitates the creation of enterprises based on scientific research and innovative ideas. Additionally, Sapienza has participated in initiatives like the CIVIS Open Lab, which aimed to foster joint projects with territorial stakeholders and offered seed funding opportunities. Students can also explore national programs like SELFIEmployment, a zero-interest loan for young entrepreneurs, and other measures supporting innovative startups. The university's commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem connects students with resources and potential funding avenues.

By choosing EWOR, Sapienza University of Rome 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. 

Sapienza University of Rome fosters a network and community within its incubators, primarily through the Sapienza Innovation & Entrepreneurship HUB (SIEH). This hub serves as a dynamic platform connecting students, researchers, faculty, startups, and industry partners. It offers entrepreneurial training, incubation programs, and events like hackathons and mentorship programs to help students build connections and develop their ventures. The university also promotes collaboration through initiatives that bring together different disciplines and facilitate partnerships with external entities. This environment encourages networking and provides resources and guidance for students to launch and grow their business ideas.

While local incubators at Sapienza University of Rome 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. 

Sapienza University of Rome is working towards greater accessibility across its services and buildings, although challenges remain due to the university's size and historical nature. The university has also implemented hybrid learning systems, particularly within its Economics Department, allowing students to attend lessons both in person and remotely. This hybrid approach, utilizing innovative technology, aims to enhance accessibility and flexibility for students. While specific details on the structure of local incubators are less clear, the university's overall move towards hybrid models and improved accessibility suggests a potential for these incubators to incorporate both in-person and remote elements, which could positively impact student participation by offering more flexible engagement options.

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

Sapienza University of Rome's Innovation & Entrepreneurship HUB (SIEH) provides educational support to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. They offer entrepreneurial training and support, including incubation and acceleration programs for startups. While specific workshop and course names directly tied to the local incubators aren't extensively detailed, Sapienza generally offers training opportunities to enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills through webinars and in-person meetings. These cover areas like work orientation and cross-cutting skills. Additionally, there are programs like the "Empowering VET Teachers: Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindset in Sustainable Energy Innovators" course, developed with Sapienza as a partner, which includes modules on entrepreneurship foundations, innovation, and transforming ideas into action. Sapienza also has a Master of Science in Economics and Communications for Management and Innovation that focuses on enterprise science, digital communications, and applied computer science to train professionals for modern enterprises.

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 Sapienza University of Rome'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 Sapienza University of Rome 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