The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Technische Universität Berlin Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Technische Universität Berlin, 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 Technische Universität Berlin 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.

Technische Universität Berlin's incubators offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect founders with experienced local mentors, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Local mentors provide practical guidance, sharing their experiences, best practices, and helping startups avoid common pitfalls. They offer insights on various aspects of building a business, from refining business models and securing funding to navigating the local ecosystem and expanding networks. This localized support is crucial for early-stage ventures, providing tailored advice and connections within the Berlin startup scene.

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.

Technische Universität Berlin's Centre for Entrepreneurship supports student startups through various programs and access to funding. They are part of the "Science & Startups" alliance, which includes other major Berlin universities and Charité, working together to foster a startup culture. Funding opportunities include the Berliner Startup Stipendium and the EXIST Startup Grant, which provide financial support, mentoring, and access to resources like workspace and coaching. The EXIST program, for instance, supports innovative technology or knowledge-based projects with grants that can cover living costs, materials, and coaching for up to a year. The Berlin Startup Scholarship also offers monthly stipends and aims to support technology-based business ideas. Additionally, specific initiatives like K.I.E.Z. (Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneurship Centre) focus on funding startups in particular sectors like AI.

By choosing EWOR, Technische Universität Berlin 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. 

Technische Universität Berlin's local incubators, such as the Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Hybrid Plattform, foster a strong network and community for students. These initiatives connect students with business angels, venture capitalists, experienced entrepreneurs, and industry partners. They provide a platform for students to pitch ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate on projects. The Hybrid Plattform, for instance, facilitates transdisciplinary work and serves as a communicative interface between the university, the cultural and scientific landscape, and the public. Through workshops, events, and networking opportunities, the incubator community helps students build essential connections and translate their research into practical solutions.

While local incubators at Technische Universität Berlin 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. 

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) supports startups through its Centre for Entrepreneurship and other initiatives. These programs aim to help students, researchers, and alumni develop business ideas, create business plans, and refine prototypes. While some programs, like the "Startup Crash Course" and "Innovation & Entrepreneurship" short courses, are described as being in Berlin and on campus, indicating an in-person or potentially hybrid format, others, such as the Berlin Startup Scholarship and EXIST Startup Grant, offer funding and support that may not necessitate a constant physical presence at the university. The accessibility for students is enhanced through these varied programs and collaborations with other Berlin universities. The mix of in-person elements, like workshops and access to co-working spaces, with potentially remote support mechanisms, impacts student participation by offering flexibility while still providing valuable resources and networking opportunities.

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

Technische Universität Berlin's local incubators, such as the Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) and involvement in initiatives like Science & Startups, offer educational support to foster entrepreneurial skills. They provide workshops, seminars, and courses designed to help students develop business ideas, create business models, and prepare for pitching to investors. Specific examples include courses on Innovation & Entrepreneurship and programs focusing on "Entrepreneurial Skills in Teaching," initially in chemistry but with plans for broader implementation. These initiatives often involve practical work, utilizing patents, and addressing real-world industry issues. The support aims to guide students from the initial idea phase to developing market-ready prototypes, offering coaching, networking, and access to funding opportunities like the EXIST scholarship program.

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 Technische Universität Berlin'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 Technische Universität Berlin 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