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

As a student at University of Illinois, 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 Illinois 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 Illinois's local incubators, such as EnterpriseWorks and those associated with the Technology Entrepreneur Center, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced local experts, including Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and industry veterans. This local network provides crucial guidance on various aspects of launching and growing a technology company, from customer discovery and idea validation to business operations and securing funding. The value of these local mentors lies in their understanding of the regional ecosystem and their ability to offer tailored advice and connections, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and increase their chances of success. Programs like the NSF I-Corps site at Illinois specifically provide mentoring from local experts to help participants learn the customer discovery process. This hands-on support and access to a peer community are key components of the incubators' value proposition for early-stage ventures.

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 Illinois offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programs. EnterpriseWorks, a key incubator at Research Park, provides resources including assistance programs and events, and connects startups with potential investors. Illinois Ventures, the university's venture capital arm, offers proof-of-concept grants, seed funding, and venture capital for affiliated technology-based startups, including those led by students. The NSF I-Corps program at Illinois provides mentoring and up to $2,000 in seed funding, also improving chances for SBIR grants. Additionally, programs like the Cozad New Venture Challenge award significant cash and in-kind prizes, and the Illinois Innovation Award grants $20,000 annually to a student innovator. The iVenture Accelerator also supports student-led startups with funding and resources.

By choosing EWOR, University of Illinois 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. 

The University of Illinois's local incubators, such as EnterpriseWorks and those within Research Park, cultivate a strong network and community for students interested in entrepreneurship. These spaces provide a collaborative environment where students can connect with experienced individuals, including startup founders, business owners, and industry experts. This interaction facilitates networking and provides valuable mentorship. The incubator community helps students build connections and collaborate through various programs and resources. EnterpriseWorks, for example, offers support to student startups, including access to capital and internship opportunities. The Research Park is a large collaborative environment where students can access research and network with individuals from over 120 companies. Additionally, programs like the Iventure Accelerator provide mentorship and funding to early-stage entrepreneurs. This supportive ecosystem helps students develop their ideas and gain practical experience.

While local incubators at University of Illinois 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 Illinois offers several resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, including incubators like EnterpriseWorks and programs like the I-Corps site and the Cozad New Venture Challenge. EnterpriseWorks, located in Research Park, provides physical space, resources, and support for startups. The I-Corps site offers mentoring and funding for STEM-related ventures, while the Cozad New Venture Challenge provides workshops and mentorship for developing startup ideas. While some programs, like the Digital Scholars Program, are explicitly in-person, the Research Park generally values in-person interaction. However, hybrid options for internships within Research Park companies are becoming more common, particularly during the academic year. This blend of in-person and hybrid models impacts student participation by offering flexibility while still emphasizing the benefits of face-to-face connection and mentorship within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Illinois 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 Illinois local incubators, such as EnterpriseWorks, offer various educational supports to foster entrepreneurial skills. EnterpriseWorks provides comprehensive entrepreneurial support services, including mentorship from experienced tech industry veterans who serve as Entrepreneurs-In-Residence. These mentors organize seminars and offer guidance on commercializing technology and growing a company. Beyond mentorship, the University of Illinois offers a range of courses through its academic departments. For instance, the Entrepreneurship (ENTR) program includes courses covering topics like the survey of entrepreneurship, introduction to entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial finance, and new venture planning. The university also provides online learning opportunities, such as the "Entrepreneurship I: Laying the Foundation" course on Coursera, which explores the early stages of the entrepreneurial process. Additionally, the Illinois University Incubator Network (IUIN), led by EnterpriseWorks, supports incubators across the state with technical assistance, resource sharing, and best practices, including assistance with business startup plans and commercialization.

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 Illinois'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 Illinois 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