The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons University of California, Davis Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at University of California, Davis, 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 California, Davis 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.

UC Davis local incubators, such as those within the Venture Catalyst's DRIVE program and affiliated with the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced mentors, including campus entrepreneurs, faculty, alumni, and external business professionals. Local mentors provide practical knowledge, industry insights, and guidance tailored to the regional ecosystem. This support helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine business models, and access crucial networks and resources for growth and commercialization. The proximity and local expertise of these mentors are vital for translating innovative research into viable ventures and contributing to regional economic development.

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.

UC Davis offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programs. The Student Startup Center (SSC) supports student programs like the PLASMA Accelerator, which can help incubate ideas. The ASUCD Entrepreneurship Fund (E-Fund), a student-run initiative, provides grants and initial seed funding, historically offering up to $2,500 to student-led businesses. Additionally, the university's Venture Catalyst program provides resources such as proof-of-concept funding and connects startups with investors. Programs like the Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR) Grants also offer funding for translational science and research with commercial potential. The Hard Tech Fund is another program providing funding and workshops for hardware projects.

By choosing EWOR, University of California, Davis 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. 

UC Davis fosters a strong entrepreneurial community through various incubators and programs. The Student Startup Center (SSC) is a key hub, providing resources, programs, and networking opportunities for students. Programs like PLASMA offer mentorship, educational lessons, and an entrepreneurial work environment. The Venture Catalyst DRIVE™ Network connects startups with affordable incubation spaces and resources. The Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship also plays a vital role, bringing together students, faculty, experienced entrepreneurs, and investors. These initiatives facilitate connections, provide guidance, and offer hands-on opportunities for students to develop their ventures.

While local incubators at University of California, Davis 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. 

UC Davis supports entrepreneurship through various programs and facilities. The Venture Catalyst DRIVE program offers a network of business incubators providing affordable, mixed office/lab spaces near campus for affiliated startups. Aggie Square, a large innovation district, includes a business incubator and aims to be a hub for collaboration between the university, industry, and the community. While information on the specific format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) of all UC Davis incubators isn't explicitly detailed, the university is generally embracing flexibility in work and learning arrangements, with some programs and positions offering hybrid or remote options. This move towards flexibility can positively impact student participation by offering greater accessibility to those who may have scheduling conflicts or prefer remote engagement.

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

UC Davis offers robust educational support for aspiring student entrepreneurs through various local incubators and programs. The Student Startup Center (SSC) is a key hub, providing resources, programs, coursework, and networking opportunities. Their PLASMA program is a 12-week accelerator for undergraduates, offering mentorship, educational lessons, and a supportive environment. The Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship also plays a significant role, offering entrepreneurship academies, mentoring, and the Big Bang! Business Competition. Students can access courses like "Introduction to Entrepreneurship," which covers essential topics such as the Business Model Canvas, Design Thinking, and the Lean Startup method. Other relevant courses include "Design Thinking for Food," "Agribusiness Marketing Plan Development," and "Financing New Business Ventures." The university also has initiatives like the Venture Catalyst DRIVE program, providing access to affordable incubation spaces.

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 California, Davis'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 California, Davis 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