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

As a student at Sorbonne 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 Sorbonne 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.

Sorbonne University supports early-stage entrepreneurs through its local incubators, fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. These incubators, such as the upcoming Cité de l'Innovation, provide infrastructure, resources, and crucial mentorship. Local mentors, often experienced entrepreneurs or industry professionals, offer invaluable guidance based on their practical knowledge and understanding of the local market. They help navigate challenges, refine business models, and connect startups with relevant networks, significantly contributing to the development and success of new ventures. This local support is vital for translating innovative ideas into viable 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.

Sorbonne University supports student entrepreneurship through various initiatives and its innovation ecosystem. This includes the PEPITE (Student Pole for Innovation, Transfer, and Entrepreneurship) program, which offers resources, events, and guidance for students from undergraduate to doctoral levels. The university also has a seed funding initiative called Quadrivium and works with various incubators, such as Agoranov. A new facility, the Cité de l'Innovation, is under construction and will further integrate research, entrepreneurship, and the student community, providing space for startups and fostering collaboration with established companies. While specific details on student-focused grant programs are not extensively detailed, the university's involvement in initiatives like French Tech Seed and its own investment funds indicate potential avenues for student startups to seek financial support. Additionally, the PEPITE program connects students with resources for financing, including loans and fundraising, and highlights specific competitions.

By choosing EWOR, Sorbonne 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. 

Sorbonne University fosters a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem through its local incubators and initiatives like the upcoming Cité de l'Innovation. This environment connects students with researchers, teachers, and established companies, creating a collaborative network. Students benefit from opportunities like internships, job offers, and support for starting their own businesses. The incubators aim to bridge the gap between academic research and the business world, encouraging the development of new ideas and technology transfer. This integrated approach helps students build connections and collaborate within a dynamic innovation community.

While local incubators at Sorbonne 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. 

Sorbonne University is developing its innovation ecosystem, including a new incubator called the Cité de l'Innovation located on its main research campus in Paris. This facility, expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026, will offer dedicated spaces for incubation, support for young businesses, and areas for established companies, along with shared services. The structure aims to connect students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. While the Cité de l'Innovation is a physical space, Sorbonne University has also utilized hybrid and remote formats for various activities, including research, events, and even thesis defenses, which can impact student participation by offering flexibility. Some programs also incorporate online meetings. The university's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, including providing resources, mentorship, and access to incubators, suggests a focus on supporting student ventures. The blend of in-person facilities and potential for remote interaction likely enhances accessibility for a wider range of students.

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

Sorbonne University supports entrepreneurial development through various initiatives, including its PEPITE scheme and the upcoming Cité de l'Innovation incubator. PEPITE offers training and support for student and recent graduate entrepreneurs, with programs like the Student-Entrepreneur Diploma (D2E) and a DU in "entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial project management." These programs provide foundational knowledge in areas like business modeling, financing, and communication through courses and workshops. The university also offers a specialized Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship. The new Cité de l'Innovation aims to further support startups by co-locating them with established companies.

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 Sorbonne 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 Sorbonne 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