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

As a student at University of Chicago, 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 Chicago 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 Chicago's local incubators, like the Polsky Center, offer robust mentorship for early-stage entrepreneurs. They connect startups with a network of experienced local founders, investors, and industry experts. This includes Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and Investors-in-Residence who provide guidance through one-on-one meetings and workshops. The value of these local mentors lies in their understanding of the Chicago ecosystem and their ability to offer practical, relevant advice on navigating the challenges of building a business in the city. Programs like the Small Business Growth Program also pair students with local small business owners for hands-on consulting and mentorship. This support helps early-stage ventures refine their strategies, access resources, and build crucial connections within the community.

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 Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a central hub for student startup funding. They offer various programs and funds, including the nationally recognized New Venture Challenge (NVC), which provides significant prize money and investment opportunities. The George Shultz Innovation Fund, managed by the Polsky Center, invests up to $250,000 in early-stage tech ventures with a UChicago affiliation. Additionally, the Polsky Founders' Fund Fellowship (PF3) offers funding to graduating students committed to working full-time on their ventures. The Polsky Accelerator programs also provide resources and potential funding for startups at different stages. The UChicago Startup Investment Program is another avenue, investing in startups with a strong University connection.

By choosing EWOR, University of Chicago 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 Chicago's local incubators, like the Polsky Center and Chicago Innovation Exchange, cultivate a strong network and community for students. They facilitate connections through numerous events, workshops, and programs, totaling over 250 annually. Students can collaborate with UChicago scientists, technologists, and researchers, and connect with a wide network of mentors, including entrepreneurs and investors. Programs like the Collaboratorium and partnerships with institutions like the University of Illinois foster interdisciplinary collaboration and venture creation. The incubators also connect students with the broader Chicago innovation ecosystem and provide resources for South Side entrepreneurs, promoting a diverse and inclusive community.

While local incubators at University of Chicago 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 Chicago's local incubators, primarily managed by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, offer a range of resources and programming to support entrepreneurs, including students. These resources include co-working spaces like the Polsky Exchange, access to fabrication labs, workshops, mentorship, and funding opportunities. The Polsky Center offers programs with different modalities, including in-person, remote, and hybrid options. This variety in delivery methods can impact student participation by offering flexibility for those who may have scheduling conflicts or prefer remote learning, while in-person options provide opportunities for direct interaction and access to physical resources like the Fabrication Lab. The university is also committed to digital accessibility to ensure materials are usable for everyone, including students with disabilities.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Chicago 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 Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a key hub for educational support. It offers various programs and resources to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. These include co-curricular programs and experiential learning opportunities like the New Venture Challenge, a top-ranked accelerator program. The Polsky Center provides hands-on and classroom-based training in areas such as customer discovery, private equity, and venture capital. They also offer workshops, mentoring, and access to a coworking space. The Polsky I-Corps Program, funded by the NSF, provides experiential learning for STEM-focused teams, teaching concepts like the Business Model Canvas and customer discovery. Additionally, students can benefit from personalized advising and programs like the OakNorth Young Entrepreneurs Program, which includes workshops and a pitch competition.

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 Chicago'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 Chicago 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