The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Universidad de Chile Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Universidad de Chile, 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 Universidad de Chile 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.

Universidad de Chile's local incubators, such as those within OpenBeauchef and the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEN), offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with a network of experienced national and international mentors, including academics and professionals. The value of these local mentors lies in their ability to provide guidance tailored to the Chilean ecosystem, offering insights into the local business environment, market potential, and networking opportunities. They support entrepreneurs by helping them refine business ideas, develop strategies, and navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a venture. This mentorship is often a crucial component of the comprehensive support systems provided by these incubators, which also include training, funding assistance, and networking events.

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.

Universidad de Chile's local incubators, often supported by government initiatives like Start-Up Chile, provide various funding opportunities for student startups. These programs aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and the wider Chilean ecosystem. Start-Up Chile, a prominent government-backed accelerator, offers equity-free seed funding, which has historically included amounts up to $40,000 USD and currently provides up to $80,000 USD depending on the program track. They also offer programs like "Build" for early-stage startups with grants around $14,000 USD and "Ignite" for more developed startups with funding of approximately $32,000 USD, with the possibility of extensions. These incubators and programs often provide additional support such as mentorship, co-working spaces, and networking opportunities.

By choosing EWOR, Universidad de Chile 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. 

Universidad de Chile's local incubators foster a network and community that supports students in building connections and collaborating. These incubators often provide access to mentors, industry experts, and potential investors, creating valuable networking opportunities. Programs and workshops facilitate collaboration among students from different disciplines, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the formation of interdisciplinary teams. The incubators also connect students with the broader innovation ecosystem, including companies and public institutions, through challenges and projects. This environment helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and provides resources for turning ideas into viable ventures.

While local incubators at Universidad de Chile 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. 

Universidad de Chile's local incubators are often physically located on campus, leveraging university resources, expertise, and infrastructure. These incubators aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting startups with services like physical space, consulting, training, and networking. While some programs may have traditionally been in-person, there's a growing trend towards hybrid models, incorporating both remote and on-site elements. This shift, partly accelerated by the pandemic, can increase accessibility for students who may not be able to participate in exclusively in-person programs due to location or other commitments. A hybrid approach allows for flexibility and can potentially boost student participation by removing geographical barriers.

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

Universidad de Chile's local incubators provide educational support to foster entrepreneurial skills. They offer training programs and workshops covering areas like business models, marketing, costing, time management, and public speaking. These initiatives aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to develop their ventures. Some programs also include courses on innovation and entrepreneurship, and provide guidance and support throughout the entrepreneurial journey. This educational support is often integrated with practical experience, such as internships in 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 Universidad de Chile'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 Universidad de Chile 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