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

As a student at University of Hong Kong, 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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong (HKU) incubators, such as iDendron, offer mentorship programs to support early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect students and alumni with seasoned professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. Local mentors provide valuable guidance on vision, strategy, and essential skills for career development. They help startups define business models, develop prototypes, and prepare for market entry. This local expertise is crucial for navigating the specific challenges and opportunities within the Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area markets. Mentors also help expand networks and connect startups with potential investors and industry professionals.

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 Hong Kong (HKU) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programs. A key initiative is the Technology Startup Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU@HKU), which provides funding to technology startups founded by HKU members. Under TSSSU, eligible startups can receive up to HK$1.5 million per year for a maximum of three consecutive years. Additionally, the SEED program, in partnership with HKSTP, is an early-stage startup support program offering training, coaching, and potential funding up to HKD 100,000 from the HKSTP Ideation Programme. HKU also has the DreamCatchers 100K seed fund, awarding winning teams up to HK$100,000 and iDendron co-working space membership. These programs aim to foster entrepreneurship and help students translate their innovative ideas into viable businesses.

By choosing EWOR, University of Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong's local incubators, such as iDendron, cultivate a vibrant community to help students build connections and collaborate. These programs offer structured support, resources, and valuable connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Students can connect with like-minded individuals through various student-led groups like the Entrepreneur Society and Hackathon Society, which organize events and workshops to promote cross-discipline collaboration. The incubators also facilitate connections with industry experts, investors, and mentors, providing guidance and networking opportunities. Through programs and events, students gain practical experience and expand their professional network.

While local incubators at University of Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong (HKU) offers structured pre-incubation and incubation programs to support students, alumni, and staff in their entrepreneurial endeavors. These programs, such as SEED and DEEPTECH100, provide resources, skills development, and connections within the entrepreneurial community. While some programs may have in-person components or offer physical space, the accessibility of these incubators is increasingly incorporating hybrid or remote elements. This is evident in programs with virtual seminars and remote access options, which can enhance student participation by offering flexibility and overcoming geographical barriers. The specific format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) can vary depending on the individual program and its focus.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong (HKU) offers various educational support through its incubators and related programs to foster entrepreneurial skills. The Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) is central to these efforts, providing initiatives like the Entrepreneurial Internship Programme (EIP), which offers practical experience and training in areas such as IP rights, business modeling, and customer discovery. The HKU SEED Programme is a pre-incubation initiative with a three-week training to help students develop their startup ideas. HKU's Entrepreneurship Resource Hub also provides workshops and mentorship. Additionally, programs like the Entrepreneurship Academy offer public lectures by industry experts on global trends and market development strategies. HKU also integrates entrepreneurship into its curriculum with relevant courses and programs.

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 Hong Kong'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 Hong Kong 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