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

As a student at University of Nottingham, 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham's local incubators, such as the Ingenuity Lab, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These incubators connect startups with experienced business professionals and Entrepreneurs in Residence. This provides crucial guidance on various aspects of business, including finance, marketing, intellectual property, and business law. Local mentors offer practical advice and insights tailored to the regional business landscape, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and avoid common mistakes in the early stages of their ventures. This support is vital for developing viable business plans and accelerating growth.

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 Nottingham offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and related programs. The Ingenuity Lab, based at the Ingenuity Centre, provides a space and resources for students and alumni to develop their business ideas. Their Ingenuity impact program has provided significant seed funding to support new ventures addressing social and environmental challenges. Additionally, the university collaborates on the Talent and Innovation Grants project, offering Talent Grants to subsidize the recruitment of students or graduates by local businesses and Innovation Vouchers for technical support. The Entrepreneurship Fund also provides grants of up to £500 to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in exploring innovative ideas and setting up businesses. The Witty Entrepreneurial Scholarship offers financial support and skills development for promising student entrepreneurs from lower-income backgrounds.

By choosing EWOR, University of Nottingham 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 Nottingham's local incubators, such as the Ingenuity Lab and those at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP), cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These spaces encourage interaction between students, academics, and external entrepreneurs. They provide a creative environment for developing ideas and launching startups. Students benefit from networking events, seminars, and social activities, facilitating connections with like-minded individuals and experienced professionals. The incubators also connect students with academic consultants and provide access to a network of businesses and potential investors, fostering collaboration and growth.

While local incubators at University of Nottingham 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 Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP) provides incubation space, including the Technology Entrepreneurship Centre (TEC), which offers shared office space and facilities for technology-focused start-ups. UNIP aims to be a creative environment where business and research can engage and work together. While the information emphasizes physical space and on-site facilities, suggesting an in-person or hybrid model, the impact on student participation isn't explicitly detailed. However, the incubators support student and alumni businesses, indicating accessibility for those within the university community. The presence of physical space and resources like meeting rooms and business services suggests a strong in-person component, which can foster collaboration and provide direct access to support. The potential for hybrid models in university incubators is also recognized, which could increase flexibility for students.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Nottingham 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 Nottingham's local incubators, such as the Li Dak Sum Incubator at their Ningbo China campus, offer comprehensive support for students developing entrepreneurial skills. This includes a full lifecycle innovation and entrepreneurship pathway with practical programs and incubation services. The university also provides various courses and modules focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. Examples include "Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice," which covers idea generation and business planning, and "Launching an Entrepreneurial Business," focusing on the practical steps of starting and growing a venture. Additionally, programs like "From the Bench to the Bank" connect students with entrepreneurs and business leaders. The Business Science Fellowships also provide formal training in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills.

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 Nottingham'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 Nottingham 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