The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 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 The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 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.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) offers robust mentorship opportunities through its Entrepreneurship Center and various incubation programs. These programs connect early-stage entrepreneurs with a diverse network of experienced local professionals, including executives, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. Local mentors provide invaluable support by offering guidance on business strategy, development, and navigating the Hong Kong startup ecosystem. They act as sounding boards, share expertise, and help optimize business plans. This local connection is crucial for early-stage ventures, providing relevant insights and networking opportunities within the specific market. The mentorship aims to nurture capabilities and help entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

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.

HKUST offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its Entrepreneurship Center and other initiatives. These include seed funding and grant programs designed to support students at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF) Student Startup Grants provide financial support and guidance to help students launch their businesses, with a maximum grant amount of up to HK$10,000 per project. The HKUST Dream Builder Program offers up to HKD 100,000 and is open for applications all year round. Additionally, the university has established the Entrepreneurship Fund (E-Fund) and the Redbird Innovation Fund (RIF) to provide significant funding for tech startups, ranging from early-stage to scaling phases. These funds aim to support startups founded by HKUST members and those commercializing HKUST intellectual properties. The university also facilitates access to external incubation programs and funding schemes.

By choosing EWOR, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 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. 

HKUST's local incubators foster a strong network and community to support student entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurship Center (EC) is central to this, offering various programs, resources, and networking events. Students can connect with experienced professionals, including entrepreneurs, investors, and alumni, through mentorship programs and events like Unicorn Day and the HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition. The incubators provide funding opportunities, training, and access to workspace, facilitating collaboration and turning ideas into businesses. This ecosystem helps students build connections and gain valuable experience.

While local incubators at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 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. 

HKUST's local incubators, like the programs offered through the Entrepreneurship Center, provide a range of services to support startups founded by students, faculty, staff, and alumni. These services include mentorship, funding opportunities, networking events, and access to workspace. While some programs and events may be in-person, such as the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, HKUST also leverages hybrid models, offering timely advice both in person and remotely. This hybrid approach, along with collaborations with external incubators when on-campus space is limited, enhances accessibility and allows for broader student participation. The university's focus on a supportive ecosystem and various resources encourages students to engage in entrepreneurial activities.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 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.

HKUST's local incubators, supported by the Entrepreneurship Center, offer various programs to cultivate entrepreneurial skills. These include the Entrepreneurship Minor program for undergraduates, focusing on mindset, skills, and hands-on experience. The MPhil Program in Technology Leadership and Entrepreneurship provides interdisciplinary opportunities and training for those interested in technology innovation and starting companies. Workshops and training programs like the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and Entrepreneurship 101 Training Program offer fundamental knowledge, practical tools, and networking opportunities. The Dream Builder Incubation Program includes training and workshops to boost entrepreneurial mindset and skills. HKUST also provides mentorship from experienced professionals and organises competitions like the One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition to help students develop and showcase their ideas.

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 The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology'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 The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 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