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

As a student at University of Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen's local incubators offer valuable mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs. Programs like those at Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship (CSE) and UCPH Lighthouse connect students with experienced mentors, including specialists, serial entrepreneurs, and CEOs. These mentors provide guidance on various aspects of building a business, from idea validation and concept development to business planning and market entry. The value of local mentors lies in their ability to link the university ecosystem with the broader business community, offering practical advice and fostering valuable connections. They help navigate the challenges specific to the local market and industry, providing tailored support to increase the startups' chances of 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.

The University of Copenhagen offers various funding opportunities and support for student startups through its innovation hubs and programs. The UCPH Lighthouse innovation centre provides resources such as sparring with innovation consultants, events, and idea development support. Students can also access free office space. The university has local innovation hubs like SCIENCE Innovation Hub, Human & Legal Innovation Hub, and SUND Hub, which offer assistance with idea development, funding, and pitching. Additionally, the Lighthouse Launch investment programme, in collaboration with the Symbion Foundation and Accelerace, provides an initial investment of DKK 30,000 to selected student companies, along with workshops and mentorship. This program aims to help students develop their business ideas and translate them into market-ready ventures. Beyond university-specific programs, students can also explore external funding opportunities like Innofounder Graduate and grants from foundations such as Novo Nordisk Fonden.

By choosing EWOR, University of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen's local incubators, such as UCPH Lighthouse, SCIENCE Innovation Hub, Human & Legal Innovation Hub, and SUND Hub, cultivate a strong community for students interested in entrepreneurship. These hubs provide physical spaces for students to work on their ideas and connect with like-minded peers. They facilitate networking through events, workshops, and informal gatherings. Students can receive sparring from innovation consultants, get advice on collaboration, and participate in programs that help develop their ideas and pitching skills. The incubators also encourage interdisciplinary connections, bringing together students from various academic backgrounds to foster diverse teams and collaborative projects.

While local incubators at University of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen (UCPH) offers various local incubators and innovation hubs to support students and researchers in developing entrepreneurial ideas. These include UCPH Lighthouse, SCIENCE Innovation Hub, Human & Legal Innovation Hub, and SUND Hub. They provide resources such as sparring with innovation consultants, events, workshops, idea development support, and sometimes office space. While some programs may incorporate online elements or resources, the structure often emphasizes in-person interaction through dedicated physical spaces and events. This focus on physical hubs facilitates networking, collaboration, and direct mentorship, which can be highly beneficial for early-stage startups. However, it might pose challenges for students who are unable to be physically present on campus, potentially limiting their participation compared to fully remote or hybrid models.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen's local incubators, such as UCPH Lighthouse, Human & Legal Innovation Hub, SCIENCE Innovation Hub, and SUND HUB, offer various educational support to students. This includes workshops and masterclasses on topics from concept development to pitching. They also provide courses and programs covering essential entrepreneurial knowledge, such as legal challenges, strategic communication, economics, and team dynamics. Students can also participate in project-oriented programs (internships) in startups to gain practical experience. Additionally, events like hackathons and idea-sprints are organized to help students develop skills and generate new solutions. Some incubators also offer pre-incubation programs to help students find ideas and explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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 Copenhagen'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 Copenhagen 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