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

As a student at University of Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington's local incubators, such as CoMotion Labs, emphasize the value of local mentors for early-stage entrepreneurs. These mentors, often experienced professionals and successful entrepreneurs from the Seattle area, provide crucial guidance and support. They offer business development knowledge, pitch coaching, networking connections, and subject matter expertise tailored to the local ecosystem. This local focus helps startups navigate the specific challenges and opportunities within the Washington market, increasing their chances of growth and stability. The connections made through these mentorship programs are vital for startups to access resources and build a strong foundation.

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 Washington offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programs. CoMotion Labs, a key UW initiative, provides a multi-industry incubation environment with resources like mentorship and access to facilities, supporting startups in diverse fields. While specific seed funding directly from CoMotion Labs for student startups isn't explicitly detailed, the broader UW ecosystem offers several avenues. The iStartup Lab provides micro grants to qualified iSchool startup teams to help cover initial business costs. Additionally, the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship hosts competitions with prize money that can serve as seed funding for student ventures. The Washington Research Foundation also offers grants supporting the commercialization of technologies from Washington State research institutions, which could benefit UW student-led projects. Other potential sources include the CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund and various grants listed by the Institute of Translational Health Sciences and the Population Health Initiative, some of which may be accessible to students or projects with student involvement.

By choosing EWOR, University of Washington 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 Washington's local incubators, such as CoMotion Labs, cultivate a strong network and community to foster student connections and collaboration. These incubators provide physical co-working spaces and access to a diverse network of mentors, including UW faculty, industry experts, and BECU mentors. They facilitate interactions through workshops, events, and programs, connecting students with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and potential team members. The environment encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together innovators from various fields like life sciences, fintech, and software. This interconnected community provides essential resources, guidance, and networking opportunities crucial for students to develop their ideas and build successful ventures.

While local incubators at University of Washington 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 Washington offers various resources for entrepreneurs, including incubators and programs through the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship and CoMotion Labs. These initiatives provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Some programs, like the LINCC Frameworks Incubator Program, explicitly state they support both remote and in-person participation, with a preference option available during application. CoMotion Labs has physical locations on the UW campus and downtown Seattle, focusing on different industry sectors. The new CoMotion headquarters is designed to accommodate hybrid work schedules. This hybrid approach increases accessibility for students who may have limitations with in-person participation due to various factors.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Washington 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 Washington's local incubators, such as CoMotion Labs, offer robust educational support for aspiring entrepreneurs. This includes access to resources, mentors, and networking opportunities. CoMotion Labs specifically provides workshops and business coaching. The Foster School of Business offers a variety of courses and programs focused on entrepreneurship, including an Entrepreneurship Certificate for graduate students. These cover topics like entrepreneurial strategy, finance, marketing, and practicums in areas like software, environmental, and health innovation. The university also provides courses on the fundamentals of venturing, idea generation, feasibility analysis, and managing startups. Additionally, there are opportunities for hands-on learning through practicums and competitions.

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 Washington'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 Washington 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