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

As a student at The University of Queensland, 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 University of Queensland 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 University of Queensland's (UQ) Ventures program offers significant mentorship opportunities through its local incubators and accelerators, such as Ventures Studio and ilab. These programs connect early-stage entrepreneurs with experienced founders, industry experts, and investors. The value of these local mentors lies in their ability to provide tailored guidance, leveraging their knowledge of the Australian startup ecosystem and specific industry landscapes. Mentors assist with crucial aspects of early-stage business development, including refining business models, developing strategies, navigating challenges, and preparing for investment. This support is vital for helping startups gain traction and increase their 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.

The University of Queensland (UQ) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its Ventures ecosystem and local incubators like ilab. The ilab Accelerator program provides early-stage ventures with a $15,000 SAFE note investment from UniQuest and access to mentorship and networks. UQ also has a $32 million UniQuest Extension Fund that invests in UQ-affiliated startups across pre-seed, seed, and later stages. Additionally, UQ Ventures offers scholarships, such as the UQ Venture Scholarships, which provide financial support, mentorship, and access to UQ Ventures programs. The Momentum Accelerator, delivered by UQ Ventures, also offers potential access to capital through venture capitalists and angel investors, culminating in a pitch event to investors. While funding is competitive and merit-based, these programs aim to support students in developing and scaling their ventures.

By choosing EWOR, The University of Queensland 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. 

The University of Queensland's (UQ) local incubators foster a strong network and community to support student entrepreneurship. UQ Ventures is a central hub that encourages student involvement through various events like mixers, workshops, hackathons, and pitch nights, helping students develop connections and prepare for their careers. The UQ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Society (UQIES), a large student-led group, provides a nurturing environment for students to develop ideas and connect with peers and industry professionals. Incubator programs like the ilab Accelerator and Ventures Studio offer co-working spaces and a tight-knit community where collaboration is central. These programs provide access to experienced mentors, industry experts, investors, and successful founders, facilitating valuable connections and learning opportunities. Students can also engage with founders through guest speaking, mentoring, and internship opportunities, further strengthening the collaborative ecosystem. This network extends beyond the university, connecting students to the broader Queensland startup community.

While local incubators at The University of Queensland 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. 

The University of Queensland (UQ) offers various programs to support student entrepreneurship and research, including the ilab Accelerator and the Research Incubator Program. The ilab Accelerator, UQ's flagship program, is delivered in collaboration with the Momentum Accelerator and offers tailored tracks for startups at different stages. It provides a structured curriculum, expert mentoring, and access to networks. While some interviews for the ilab Accelerator are held in person at the Ventures Studio in Long Pocket and St Lucia campus, the overall format regarding in-person, remote, or hybrid delivery is not explicitly stated for the entire program. The Research Incubator Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in research alongside experienced researchers. This program seems to be more integrated into the student's regular on-campus studies, suggesting an in-person component, though the format is not explicitly defined as solely in-person. The accessibility of these programs for students is a key focus for UQ. The university is committed to creating an accessible environment and provides various support services for students. The availability of remote or hybrid options can significantly impact student participation, particularly for those with accessibility needs or those who are unable to be on campus full-time. While some programs like Ventures Activate have been offered as remote internships, the primary incubator programs' flexibility in delivery mode is not clearly detailed in the provided information.

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

The University of Queensland's Ventures offers educational support through various programs to foster entrepreneurial skills. These include Discovery Workshops covering foundational entrepreneurial thinking, customer and problem discovery, and designing solutions. They also provide workshops on pitching and storytelling. Ventures Studio, an incubation program, offers a co-working space, networking events, and mentorship. Additionally, UQ's iLab Accelerator provides funding and tailored support for startups. Students can also access learning experiences through Startup AdVentures.

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 University of Queensland'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 University of Queensland 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