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

As a student at University of Vienna, 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 Vienna 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 Vienna's local incubators, such as INiTS, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced professionals, including seasoned CEOs, investors, and serial entrepreneurs from the Austrian innovation ecosystem. Local mentors provide crucial guidance, sharing industry knowledge and helping founders navigate challenges. The value of local mentors lies in their understanding of the specific Austrian market and network. They can offer tailored advice on business development, financial planning, and market trends. Mentors also help early-stage companies refine their business models, develop pitching skills, and access valuable connections to potential investors and partners within the local ecosystem. This support is vital for transforming ideas into viable businesses 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 Vienna supports student startups through various initiatives, including the Entrepreneurship @ Uni Vienna program and innovation labs. These programs offer educational support, mentorship, and resources to help students develop their ventures. The u:seed program provides pre-seed funding, mentorship, training, and resources for startups and spin-offs beyond the idea stage. Additionally, outstanding projects from the digital innovation lab can receive up to €10,000 in seed funding. The university also collaborates with INiTS, a high-tech incubator that offers the STARTKapital financing instrument, providing up to €100,000 in risk-free equity capital for eligible startups.

By choosing EWOR, University of Vienna 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 Vienna's local incubators, such as INiTS and the Innovation labs, cultivate a network and community to support students. INiTS, supported by the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology, and the Vienna Business Agency, connects researchers with entrepreneurs and offers a network of partners. The Innovation labs provide a creative space and host networking events, allowing students to connect with industry leaders and other innovators. Programs like aptiTUdes.LAB at TU Wien's Innovation Incubation Center, which collaborates with other universities, focus on building soft skills and expanding networks through workshops and events. These initiatives facilitate collaboration among peers from diverse disciplines and connect students with experienced professionals and potential collaborators.

While local incubators at University of Vienna 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 Vienna is a shareholder in INiTS, a high-tech business incubator in Vienna. INiTS supports research and technology-based startups with high growth potential. They offer tailored consulting, training, and funding opportunities. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) of all University of Vienna's local incubator programs are not explicitly stated, the university does offer hybrid learning options for its regular courses, combining on-site and digital elements. One entrepreneurial program involving University of Vienna students was a blended intensive program with online learning and an in-person session. The accessibility of university facilities, including ramps and lifts, is also highlighted. The mode of delivery (in-person, remote, or hybrid) can impact student participation by offering flexibility for those who cannot attend in person, while in-person components can foster stronger networking and collaboration.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Vienna 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 Vienna's innovation labs offer educational programs to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. These programs, such as the Digital iLab and Open iLab, provide structured processes for participants to learn the tools and principles of entrepreneurship. They guide students, doctoral candidates, and early-stage researchers through venture creation, focusing on building sustainable ventures. Specific workshops and training are available, covering topics like business innovation, strategic communication, and team creativity. The Cross-InCUbation week, for instance, includes workshops on financial planning, prototyping, and societal impact. The university also offers masterclasses in entrepreneurship and innovation basics. Additionally, programs like u:seed provide training and resources to help advanced teams bridge the gap between development and market entry.

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 Vienna'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 Vienna 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