The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Tokyo Institute of Technology Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Tokyo Institute of 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 Tokyo Institute of 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.

Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and its affiliated programs offer various mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These initiatives leverage local mentors to provide valuable support. Programs like the Start-up Support Fund offer mentoring as part of their support for commercializing research findings. The Innovation design Platform (IdP), led by Tokyo Tech, also focuses on mentoring budding entrepreneurs to create impactful startups. Local mentors, often experienced entrepreneurs and experts, provide crucial guidance on navigating the Japanese market, understanding consumer preferences, and tailoring products or services. They offer insights into what has succeeded and failed locally, aiding in strategic decision-making. Incubators and programs connect startups with a network of local businesses, investors, and relevant organizations, fostering essential relationships for growth. This local expertise and network are invaluable for early-stage entrepreneurs establishing themselves in the Tokyo ecosystem.

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.

Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) offers various funding opportunities to support student startups through its local incubators and programs. The Tokyo Institute of Technology Fund is a key source, providing support money of up to 1,000,000 JPY for students to verify business ideas and models, covering costs like prototyping and market surveys. Additionally, the Start-up Support Fund, backed by donations, offers gap funding to help commercialize research findings and supports activities generating interest in entrepreneurship. Tokyo Tech also participates in initiatives like the Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem (GTIE), which includes a Gap Fund for teams aiming for overseas markets. These programs aim to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, providing not only funding but also mentorship and resources for budding entrepreneurs.

By choosing EWOR, Tokyo Institute of 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. 

Tokyo Institute of Technology fosters a strong entrepreneurial community through initiatives like the Innovation design Platform (IdP) and participation in the Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem (GTIE). The IdP supports Tokyo Tech ventures and collaborates with external organizations. GTIE, a collaboration with other universities, focuses on entrepreneurial activity support, human resources development, and ecosystem establishment to nurture startups. These programs provide students with practical education, mentoring, and opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, and potential investors. Events and pitch opportunities further facilitate networking and collaboration within the startup ecosystem. The university also offers dedicated Entrepreneurship Support Space and various support programs to help students build connections and develop their ventures.

While local incubators at Tokyo Institute of 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. 

Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) supports student entrepreneurship through programs like "Go Startup". They also participate in multi-institutional platforms such as the Innovation design Platform (IdP), which includes collaborations with other universities and external partners. While specific details on the format of all Tokyo Tech local incubators aren't explicitly stated, some events and programs are offered in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation. This hybrid approach likely increases accessibility for students, allowing those who may face constraints like scheduling conflicts or distance to still engage with incubation activities.

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

Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) offers various educational support programs to foster entrepreneurial skills in students. The Center for Entrepreneurship Education (CEE), established in 2023, plays a key role in providing institute-wide entrepreneurship education. Tokyo Tech's Entrepreneurship Education Courses are structured into categories focusing on skills and mindset, practical application, and business creation. They aim to equip students with the ability to transform ideas into societal innovations. Workshops are a significant part of the support, with over 20 offered annually through programs like the Tokyo Tech Academy for Leadership (ToTAL). These workshops cover areas like design thinking, leadership, and value creation, and can count towards course credits. Tokyo Tech also participates in collaborative programs like the Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem (GTIE) to support startups and entrepreneurial development.

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 Tokyo Institute of 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 Tokyo Institute of 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