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

As a student at University of Bristol, 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 Bristol 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 Bristol's local incubators, such as SETsquared Bristol and Engine Shed, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These incubators connect startups with experienced local mentors who provide tailored business support, coaching, and access to their networks. The value of these local mentors lies in their understanding of the regional ecosystem and their ability to offer practical advice based on their own entrepreneurial journeys. They help founders develop their value proposition, navigate challenges, and gain insights into the local market. This guidance is crucial for early-stage businesses looking to establish themselves and grow within the Bristol area.

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 Bristol offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programs. The Runway program, a dedicated startup incubator, provides comprehensive mentoring and advice, and unlocks access to funding through annual competitions and events like the Runway Awards. These awards, supported by alumni and friends, provide grants to student businesses, with £75,000 awarded in total this year. Additionally, the Jim and Peggy Wilkinson Innovation Fund awards £75,000 to student businesses across three funding rounds per year. The annual New Enterprise Competition also awards £35,000 of funding to entrepreneurial students, staff, and alumni. These grants are typically non-repayable, with no expectation of equity. Other opportunities include Summer Enterprise Scholarships and the Student Ventures Spark funding competition. SETsquared Bristol, a partner tech incubator, also supports startups and scaleups.

By choosing EWOR, University of Bristol 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. 

University of Bristol's local incubators foster a strong community to help students build connections and collaborate. Initiatives like the Bristol Entrepreneurs Society create a multidisciplinary network of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. They host events such as networking sessions, workshops, and hackathons to facilitate interaction and skill development. The "Runway" accelerator provides co-working space, mentoring, and access to an entrepreneurial community. Students can also connect with experienced mentors and advisers. This environment encourages peer-to-peer support and provides opportunities to share ideas and gain feedback.

While local incubators at University of Bristol 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. 

University of Bristol offers various incubators and programs to support entrepreneurship, including SETsquared Bristol, a tech incubator, and the Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre. These often provide physical workspace, mentoring, networking, and access to funding. While some programs historically relied on in-person interaction, the university has explored hybrid models, particularly to accommodate international students during travel restrictions. Hybrid approaches, combining in-person and remote elements, offer flexibility and can aid student participation, although they may also present challenges in creating a strong cohort feeling and can increase staff workload. The structure and delivery format can vary between specific programs.

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

University of Bristol's local incubators, such as Runway and SETsquared Bristol, offer comprehensive educational support to foster entrepreneurial skills. Runway, based at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, provides students and recent graduates with access to mentoring and an in-house investment fund, alongside opportunities to pitch ideas to an investment panel. SETsquared Bristol, a tech incubator, offers a bespoke business program and supports companies with business guidance and skills training. The university also provides tailored workshops, one-to-one start-up advice, and networking opportunities through its Careers Service and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, programs like the fully funded START programme, a collaboration with other universities, offer intensive training and access to mentors for tech-based business ideas. Students can also access online courses like "Innovation and Enterprise" to develop problem-solving, idea generation, and pitching skills.

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 Bristol'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 Bristol 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