The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons University of Science and Technology of China Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at University of Science and Technology of China, 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 Science and Technology of China 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 incubators in China, including those potentially associated with USTC, emphasize mentorship as a key component of their support for early-stage entrepreneurs. Local mentors, often senior business leaders and venture capitalists, provide valuable guidance based on their experience and networks. This support helps startups navigate challenges, refine business models, and connect with relevant resources. The value of local mentors lies in their understanding of the specific regional context and their ability to offer practical advice tailored to the local market. They play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs develop realistic business plans and strategies for 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.

University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and its affiliated local incubators provide various funding opportunities to support student startups. Hefei High-tech Pioneer Park, for instance, has been a significant starting point for many USTC alumni businesses, offering various incubation funds to help enterprises secure financing. While specific details on dedicated seed funding or grant programs solely for USTC student startups are not readily available, the university emphasizes fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within its community. This includes providing a supportive environment and resources for researchers and students to translate their ideas into ventures. The broader Chinese government also actively supports startup companies and incubators at national, provincial, and city levels, which likely benefits USTC-affiliated ventures.

By choosing EWOR, University of Science and Technology of China 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 Science and Technology of China (USTC) local incubators foster a network and community that supports students in building connections and collaborating. These incubators aim to integrate academia with the local community and industry. They provide a collaborative environment, often with co-working spaces and meeting rooms, facilitating interaction among students, researchers, mentors, and local entrepreneurs. This network includes experienced professionals, investors, and industry experts who offer mentorship and guidance. The incubators also connect students with resources, funding opportunities, and potential partners, helping them navigate the entrepreneurial journey and commercialize their ideas.

While local incubators at University of Science and Technology of China 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. 

University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has local incubators, often university-owned and operated, that are part of a national initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. These incubators provide structural support like infrastructure and facilities, and technology-specific assistance. They also help connect startups with university resources, including human support and expertise. While information on the specific format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) of all USTC incubator programs isn't readily available, the nature of incubator support, which often involves access to physical facilities and direct mentorship, suggests a strong in-person component. Some programs, like research internships, are clearly designed for on-campus participation. The emphasis on geographical proximity to university resources also points towards an in-person or possibly hybrid structure. This likely impacts student participation by favoring those who can be physically present at the university or incubator location.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Science and Technology of China 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 science parks and local incubators in China, including those potentially linked to the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), play a significant role in fostering entrepreneurship. These incubators provide comprehensive support services to startups. This includes offering facilities and basic services at affordable costs. While specific details on USTC's local incubators' educational programs are limited in the search results, Chinese incubators generally aim to cultivate high-level entrepreneurial teams and create a favorable environment for innovation. This often involves providing training and support in areas such as business planning, financial management, legal issues, and marketing. Some university-affiliated programs, like the Tsinghua Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, offer modules and workshops covering opportunity discovery, solution development, and business building. This suggests that similar educational support, including workshops and courses, is likely available through USTC's local incubator network to help students develop their entrepreneurial 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 Science and Technology of China'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 Science and Technology of China 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