The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Technical University of Denmark Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Technical University of Denmark, 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 Technical University of Denmark 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.

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) incubators, such as DTU Skylab and DTU Science Park, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced local mentors, including industry experts, serial entrepreneurs, and investors. Local mentors provide tailored guidance and honest feedback on various challenges, from product development and strategy to financing and market entry. This support is crucial for navigating the early stages of building a business and can significantly shorten the time to market. The mentors' local knowledge and network are particularly beneficial for startups aiming to establish themselves within the Danish ecosystem. Programs like DeepTech Mentoring at DTU Science Park emphasize confidential, structured sparring sessions to help companies address their specific needs and accelerate growth.

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.

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its innovation hub, DTU Skylab, and other programs. The DTU Skylab Funding program is specifically designed to help students secure soft funding for developing their startups and prototypes, with grants ranging from DKK 15,000 to DKK 150,000. Applications are accepted twice a year. Additionally, the Earthbound Student Grant provides up to 150,000 DKK in soft funding for DTU student startups addressing global climate challenges, provided they are enrolled in a DTU ecosystem maturing program or accelerator. DTU also has the DTU Innovation and Incubation Foundation (DTU-IIF), which supports startups with seed funding, mentoring, and networking. These initiatives aim to foster entrepreneurship and help students translate their ideas into viable businesses.

By choosing EWOR, Technical University of Denmark 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. 

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) fosters a strong innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including local incubators like DTU Skylab and Scion DTU. These hubs provide a vibrant community where students, researchers, and industry professionals connect and collaborate. Within this community, students can build connections through various avenues. Incubators offer mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. Events, workshops, and programs facilitate networking and collaboration on innovative ideas. DTU also integrates entrepreneurship into its curriculum, providing students with experience and contacts in the business community. This environment helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and translate their ideas into ventures.

While local incubators at Technical University of Denmark 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. 

DTU offers various entrepreneurial support programs, including incubators like DTU Skylab and collaborations with others like Futurebox and Scion DTU. These initiatives provide resources such as office space, workshops, coaching, and access to expertise and funding. While some programs might incorporate online support, the structure generally emphasizes in-person elements like dedicated workspaces and face-to-face meetings, fostering a community environment. This physical presence allows for direct access to facilities and mentors, which is beneficial for developing technology-based ventures. Accessibility is also considered for digital resources. The requirement for at least one founder to be associated with DTU ensures student participation.

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

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers robust educational support for aspiring student entrepreneurs through its local incubators, primarily DTU Skylab. DTU Skylab serves as a central innovation hub providing a dynamic learning ecosystem with various facilities, including prototype workshops and labs. They offer expert teaching modules in innovation and entrepreneurship, available for courses hosted at Skylab or elsewhere at DTU. These modules cover topics such as pitching, startup soft funding, and inclusive design. DTU also integrates entrepreneurship into its study programs through mandatory and elective courses, like the Innovation in Engineering course. Additionally, programs like DTU X-Tech provide accelerated learning, combining technical, business, and marketing skills with real-world projects and industry mentorship. Students can also benefit from events, workshops, and coaching to develop their entrepreneurial competencies.

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 Technical University of Denmark'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 Technical University of Denmark 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