The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Universiti Putra Malaysia Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Universiti Putra Malaysia, 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 Universiti Putra Malaysia 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.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has established incubators, such as the UPM-MTDC Incubator and InnoHub under Putra Science Park, to support early-stage entrepreneurs. These incubators provide essential services including mentoring and coaching. Local mentors are crucial as they offer valuable insights into the Malaysian market, industry-specific knowledge, and networking opportunities. They guide startups in areas like strategic planning, business model development, market validation, and pitching to investors. This hands-on guidance from experienced local professionals helps early-stage entrepreneurs navigate challenges and accelerate their growth within the local 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.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and related programs. The Putra Science Park (PSP), which includes InnoHub, plays a role in nurturing startups towards commercialization. UPM has also collaborated with entities like the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to provide space and support for technology startups. While specific details on seed funding and grant programs directly managed by UPM's incubators for students can vary, the university actively participates in initiatives like LaunchX, a national university startup accelerator program that provides seed funding to top student startups. Additionally, UPM's School of Graduate Studies lists various scholarships and financial assistance options, although these are primarily for postgraduate students and may not be exclusively for startups. UPM also seeks external funding and has received grants, some of which involve incubators.

By choosing EWOR, Universiti Putra Malaysia 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. 

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has a strong focus on community engagement, which includes its local incubators. These incubators, such as the UPM-MTDC Technology Incubation Centre, aim to provide a supportive environment for nascent businesses, particularly in technology sectors. The incubator community facilitates connections and collaboration by acting as intermediaries, sharing knowledge, and linking tenants with university resources like student interns and graduates. While direct links to UPM labs may not be provided, the incubator management helps by gathering and disseminating information, encouraging tenants to take the initiative in building relationships. This ecosystem helps students gain practical experience and provides a potential talent pool for the incubated companies.

While local incubators at Universiti Putra Malaysia 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. 

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) operates local incubators, such as the UPM-MTDC Incubator located on the main campus, to promote commercialization and support technology-based businesses. These incubators provide physical space, shared facilities, and business support services, including access to financing and networks. While the structure involves a physical presence and on-site resources, some programs may incorporate hybrid elements. For example, the Top Agropreneur IoT Incubator Program includes an in-person bootcamp. The accessibility of these programs, particularly regarding in-person components, can impact student participation, potentially favoring those who can easily commute to campus or program locations. However, the increasing digitalization might lead to more hybrid or remote options in the future, potentially increasing accessibility for a wider range of students. UPM also aims to involve students in various entrepreneurial activities, including those with disabilities and from disadvantaged groups.

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

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) supports entrepreneurial skill development through its local incubators, such as UPM InnoHub. These incubators provide infrastructure, shared facilities, and business support services. UPM offers programs like the Agropreneur Incubation program, which includes training modules in areas like aquaculture and crop farming to help students become agricultural entrepreneurs. Additionally, UPM conducts programs focused on leadership and digital entrepreneurship, featuring training slots and skills delivered by experts, covering topics such as innovation thinking, cash management, and professional resume writing. These initiatives aim to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for starting and managing their own ventures.

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 Universiti Putra Malaysia'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 Universiti Putra Malaysia 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