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

As a student at University of Basel, 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 University of Basel 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.

University of Basel's local incubators, such as SPARK Western Switzerland and programs at Impact Hub Basel, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced mentors, industry experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs. Local mentors provide crucial guidance on refining business plans, developing prototypes, and navigating the Swiss startup ecosystem. They offer real-world knowledge and skills, helping founders turn ideas into viable solutions. While the university doesn't typically pay mentors, startups can negotiate agreements, sometimes involving equity. This local network is vital for building connections and accelerating growth.

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 Basel's Innovation Office serves as a central hub for entrepreneurship, offering various programs and support for student startups. They provide incubation and acceleration programs to help refine ideas and scale businesses. A key funding opportunity is the Propelling Grant, which offers up to CHF 50,000 in non-dilutive funding for up to six months to help researchers and affiliates turn their ideas into startups. This grant is part of the Propelling Program, which also includes mentoring, workshops, and investor meetings. Additionally, the university connects students with external programs like Venture Kick and InnoBooster, which offer significant pre-seed capital and grants. The university also supports participation in startup competitions.

By choosing EWOR, University of Basel 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 Basel's Innovation Office serves as a central hub for entrepreneurship, fostering a community that connects students, researchers, industry professionals, and experienced entrepreneurs. They offer educational programs, workshops, and events to help students develop entrepreneurial skills and connect with role models. Incubation and acceleration programs provide support for students with startup ideas, helping them refine concepts, access funding, and connect with industry leaders. Initiatives like the Entrepreneurs Club and the online community Pupella facilitate networking and collaboration among aspiring founders. The university also collaborates with external partners and incubators like BaseLaunch and Impact Hub Basel, expanding the network and providing access to specialized support and resources, particularly in areas like healthcare and social entrepreneurship. This interconnected ecosystem helps students build valuable connections and navigate the startup journey.

While local incubators at University of Basel 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 Basel's Innovation Office serves as the central hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, offering educational programs, events, and incubation/acceleration programs. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with entrepreneurial skills and support the development of startups. While the information doesn't explicitly state whether all programs are in-person, remote, or hybrid, some programs, like the Innosuisse Entrepreneurship Training, are held on Wednesday evenings, suggesting a scheduled, in-person component. Additionally, there are mentions of onsite courses within the broader UNIC series of Open Entrepreneurship Courses, in which the University of Basel participates. The Euraxess Startup Hub Program in Basel is described as a 2-day in-person event. The format of these programs can impact student participation. In-person components may limit accessibility for students with time constraints, distance barriers, or disabilities, although the university is committed to equal rights and website accessibility. Hybrid or remote options, where available, would likely increase flexibility and allow broader student engagement.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Basel 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 Basel's Innovation Office serves as a central hub for entrepreneurship, offering various educational support programs. They provide personalized guidance, entrepreneurship training, and incubation programs. Students can integrate entrepreneurial skills into their studies through educational programs and courses like "Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship" (3 ECTS). Tailored training is also available for PhDs, PostDocs, and staff. The Innovation Office runs educational courses, organizes inspirational events, and operates startup incubation and acceleration programs. They offer workshops and masterclasses to help students develop practical skills. These programs aim to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and equip individuals with the competencies needed for success in various careers or in launching 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 University of Basel'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 University of Basel 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