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

As a student at Universiti Sains 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 Sains 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 Sains Malaysia (USM) supports early-stage entrepreneurs through its local incubators and various initiatives. The Centre for Innovation and Consultation (CIC) and the Social Innovation & Knowledge Transfer Unit at BJIM offer mentorship programs and training workshops. These programs often collaborate with external agencies, providing valuable guidance and resources. Local mentors, including USM faculty and community leaders, play a crucial role by sharing their expertise and industry insights. This local connection helps entrepreneurs navigate the specific challenges and opportunities within the Malaysian market, contributing to the development of financially and socially sustainable businesses. Access to experienced mentors is considered vital for a startup's 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.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) supports research commercialisation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like Sains@USM, an innovation park providing incubator facilities and support services for university entrepreneurs. While specific details on dedicated seed funding or grant programmes solely for student startups through USM's local incubators were not explicitly found, the University System of Maryland (USM), which is a different institution, offers the USM Launch Fund. This fund provides grants ranging from less than $3,000 to $15,000 for early-stage USM-affiliated ventures, including those founded by students. They also have the Maryland Momentum Fund, which provides early-stage seed investment. It is important to note that these latter two funds are associated with the University System of Maryland in the United States, not Universiti Sains Malaysia in Malaysia.

By choosing EWOR, Universiti Sains 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 Sains Malaysia (USM) fosters a network and community within its local incubators to support students and entrepreneurs. The university's Division of Industry & Community Network (BJIM) is key in building these connections. They aim to create sustainable linkages and partnerships with industry and the wider community. Within this ecosystem, the Student Knowledge Transfer Centre acts as an incubator, providing workshops, mentorship, and training to equip students with practical skills and experience. This environment encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing between students, industry experts, and the public. USM also offers assistance like grants, mentorship programs, and training workshops specifically for local start-ups, helping young entrepreneurs build their businesses. This focus on collaboration and networking helps students build valuable connections and fosters an innovation ecosystem.

While local incubators at Universiti Sains 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 Sains Malaysia (USM) is involved in incubator programs, such as the Research and Industry-Infused Incubator (MRI3) program, which collaborates with various companies. These programs aim to develop high-skilled graduates and provide industrial exposure. Students selected for the MRI3 program are stationed at USM and receive an allowance and skills training. While specific details on the structure and accessibility of all USM local incubators are not readily available, university-based incubators in Malaysia generally aim to promote commercialisation and provide a platform for technopreneurs to collaborate with universities. They often provide physical space and support services. The MRI3 program, being conducted at USM with students stationed there, appears to be primarily in-person. The in-person nature of such programs can facilitate direct collaboration with industry partners and access to university R&D facilities, potentially enhancing student participation through hands-on experience and networking opportunities. However, it might limit participation for students who are unable to be physically present.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Universiti Sains 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 Sains Malaysia (USM) supports entrepreneurial development through its local incubators and related units. The Sustainable Leadership and Entrepreneurship Unit (UKKL) at the School of Management promotes entrepreneurial thinking and serves as an incubator for innovative ideas. They offer tailor-made entrepreneurship and leadership programs, including knowledge transfer programs and workshops, to equip individuals with essential entrepreneurial competencies. USM also provides research support training and workshops through its library, covering areas like information literacy and research tools, which can indirectly aid aspiring entrepreneurs in developing their ventures. Additionally, USM's commitment to human capital development includes programs with training providers offering skill courses and entrepreneurship training modules.

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 Sains 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 Sains 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