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

As a student at University of Melbourne, 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne's local incubators, such as the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), emphasize the value of local mentors for early-stage entrepreneurs. These mentors, often successful founders and industry experts, provide crucial guidance and support. They offer insights into the local market, help navigate challenges, and leverage their networks to connect startups with potential investors, partners, and customers. This local expertise and network are invaluable for validating ideas, developing strategy, and accelerating growth in the Australian context. Mentorship helps entrepreneurs build confidence, improve skills, and gain objective advice.

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 Melbourne offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre serves as a gateway to these resources. Key programs include the University of Melbourne and Breakthrough Victoria's Genesis Pre-Seed Fund, which supports early-stage startups with high potential, including social purpose ventures. Additionally, the Tin Alley Ventures fund provides investment for university-affiliated startups from seed stage through to exit. Students may also access faculty innovation funds and other government partners for further support. The Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) also provides $20,000 in equity-free seed funding to selected startups.

By choosing EWOR, University of Melbourne 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 Melbourne's entrepreneurial ecosystem, centered around the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) and key initiatives like the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), fosters a strong community for students. This network connects students with mentors, industry experts, investors, and alumni, providing invaluable guidance and networking opportunities. Programs like UniMelb StartUp and Velocity encourage collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds, helping them form teams and develop their ideas. Co-working spaces within precincts like Melbourne Connect further facilitate interaction between students, researchers, startups, and industry partners. Through pitch nights, workshops, and various programs, students gain skills, receive feedback, and build connections crucial for launching their ventures.

While local incubators at University of Melbourne 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 Melbourne offers entrepreneurial support through the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC), which includes programs like the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) and the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship. These initiatives provide various opportunities such as pitch nights, hackathons, workshops, and access to mentors and investors. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all programs are not explicitly stated, some information suggests a mix. The Wade Institute, for instance, mentions virtual or in-person delivery options for bespoke programs. MAP has offered office space, indicating an in-person component. The accessibility of these programs, regardless of format, impacts student participation by offering flexible learning and engagement options. The university also emphasizes universal access principles for its campus facilities, which could extend to incubator spaces.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Melbourne 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 Melbourne offers extensive entrepreneurial support through its Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC), which serves as a central hub. MEC provides access to various programs, including pitch nights, hackathons, masterclasses, workshops, and courses designed to develop entrepreneurial skills. Key programs include the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), which offers funding and mentorship to high-potential startups, and TRAM (Translating Research at Melbourne), focused on commercialising research. The Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, located at Ormond College, also delivers immersive programs like the Master of Entrepreneurship and VC Catalyst for investors. Additionally, Melbourne InnovatEd is an incubation program specifically for educational technology innovations. These initiatives provide students with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and networking opportunities to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

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 Melbourne'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 Melbourne 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