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

As a student at University of Warwick, 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 Warwick 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 Warwick's local incubators, such as the Creative Futures Incubator and those within the Warwick Innovation District and Science Park, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs provide access to experienced mentors, including University experts, successful entrepreneurs, and industry specialists. Local mentors offer tailored one-to-one support, guidance, and a strategic sounding board to help refine business plans, access funding, and navigate challenges. This local network provides crucial connections and practical know-how for launching and growing a business in the region.

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 Warwick offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its enterprise ecosystem. The Warwick Innovation Fund provides seed funding for innovative student projects. Additionally, students can explore funding through programs like the Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs, offering project funding up to £3,000. The university's local incubators, such as the Ignite Business Incubation at Warwick Science Park, offer tailored support which can include assistance in accessing grant funding and investment readiness. The NatWest Accelerator hub on campus also provides support and access to their free programs for student entrepreneurs.

By choosing EWOR, University of Warwick 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 Warwick's local incubators foster a strong community to help students build connections and collaborate. Initiatives like Warwick Enterprise and the Creative Futures Incubator provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to experts. Students can connect with like-minded peers, experienced entrepreneurs, and industry professionals through workshops, events, and dedicated platforms like Startium and My Innovation Collective. The incubators offer tailored support, including one-to-one coaching and access to a network of mentors and investors, facilitating collaboration and business development. Societies like Warwick Entrepreneurs further enhance this network, providing events and a mentorship scheme. This interconnected ecosystem helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and launch ventures.

While local incubators at University of Warwick 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 Warwick Science Park offers incubation space across its main site and three satellite locations, providing physical space for startups and established companies. These locations offer various unit sizes and access to business support services like mentoring, workshops, and networking events. While the Science Park provides physical incubation, Warwick Enterprise offers programs specifically for students and alumni, focusing on developing entrepreneurial skills and launching ventures. Some of these programs, like "Start-up Sherpas," are digital, suggesting remote accessibility. The university also utilizes hybrid models for teaching and working, which could extend to entrepreneurial support, potentially increasing student participation regardless of location. However, some incubator programs, like the Creative Futures Incubator, are aimed at graduates and require participants to be based in the West Midlands, indicating an in-person or hybrid structure with a regional focus.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Warwick 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 Warwick's local incubators, such as those within the Warwick Innovation District and the University of Warwick Science Park, offer comprehensive educational support for aspiring student entrepreneurs. This includes access to workshops, 1:1 coaching, and expert networks through programmes like the Student and Graduate Start-up Programme. Students can also benefit from modules like "Entrepreneurship in Practice" which provide a theoretical and practical introduction to developing a business idea, covering topics such as innovation, intellectual property, and business models. The university also offers a dedicated MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to launch their own ventures. Additionally, initiatives like the 'Life Ready Programme' and the Ignite incubator provide tailored support, including mentoring and knowledge workshops.

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 Warwick'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 Warwick 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