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

As a student at Technical University of Munich, 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 Munich 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 Munich (TUM) incubators, such as UnternehmerTUM, offer extensive mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. This network includes successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, and TUM professors. Local mentors provide valuable insights, helping startups avoid common pitfalls and accelerate development. They offer guidance on various aspects, including business models, market opportunities, legal issues, and go-to-market strategies. The value of local mentors lies in their understanding of the Munich ecosystem and their ability to connect startups with relevant networks, including potential collaborators and investors. This support is crucial for navigating the challenges of the early stages and increasing the chances of success.

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 Munich (TUM) offers substantial funding opportunities for student startups through its innovation center, UnternehmerTUM. This includes "Funding for Innovators," a pre-seed initiative providing prototyping grants (ranging from €1,000 to €3,000) and founder-friendly convertible loans for early-stage deep tech B2B startups. TUM also supports applications for nationwide programs like the EXIST Start-up Grant and EXIST Research Transfer, which aid innovative university spin-offs in their initial phases. Additionally, the Bavarian State Ministry's FLÜGGE program supports graduates and employees with innovative ideas. TUM's Entrepreneurship department offers comprehensive support, including guidance on funding applications. UnternehmerTUM also has its own venture capital fund.

By choosing EWOR, Technical University of Munich 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 Munich's (TUM) local incubators, such as UnternehmerTUM, foster a strong network and community to support students. They provide access to a startup community, workshops, coaching, and events. This environment encourages collaboration among startups through co-working spaces and communal areas. TUM's incubators connect students with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities. Initiatives like TUM.ai also build communities focused on specific fields, connecting students with stakeholders and industry partners for projects and events. This comprehensive support system helps students build connections and turn their ideas into businesses.

While local incubators at Technical University of Munich 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. 

Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers various support structures for startups, including the TUM Incubator and TUM Venture Labs. The TUM Incubator provides physical co-working and individual office spaces, meeting rooms, and access to equipment like a hardware room and MakerSpace. It also offers workshops, coaching, and networking events. While the TUM Incubator provides in-person workspace, the overall approach to programs and student participation appears to be a mix. Some programs, like the AI Entrepreneurship Lab by the TUM.ai student initiative, are described as 14-week incubators. The TUM Entrepreneurial Masterclass, which allows students to focus their master's thesis on their startup idea, includes in-person seminars and bi-weekly stand-ups, but also offers access to TUM Incubator co-working spaces. The impact of this hybrid approach on student participation is that it likely offers flexibility, allowing students to engage with resources both physically and potentially remotely for certain aspects like workshops or coaching. However, the availability of physical space and the emphasis on community suggest that in-person interaction is still a significant component of the TUM incubator ecosystem.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Technical University of Munich 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 Munich (TUM) offers extensive educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs through its innovation center, UnternehmerTUM, and local incubators like the TUM Incubator. This support includes workshops, training classes, lectures, and even an MBA program focused on innovation and business creation. Students can participate in various courses covering topics such as entrepreneurial idea development, managing business models, scaling ventures, and social entrepreneurship. Programs like the TUM Entrepreneurial Masterclass allow students to focus their master's thesis on their startup idea, providing scientific guidance and access to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The TUM Incubator specifically offers workshops, coaching sessions, and events alongside workspace. Additionally, programs like TechFounders provide a twenty-week accelerator with mentorship and funding for tech startups.

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 Munich'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 Munich 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