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

As a student at Uppsala University, 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 Uppsala University 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.

Uppsala University's local incubators, such as Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC), offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced mentors and coaches who provide guidance on various aspects of business development, including market research, business planning, and funding strategies. Local mentors, with their industry knowledge and expertise, offer crucial support to help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, navigate challenges, and build a strong network. This localized support system contributes to a favorable environment for startups to develop and grow in the Uppsala 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.

Uppsala University offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its innovation ecosystem. UU Innovation provides support and funding in the early stages of idea development, including managing the Vinnova "Verification for Growth" (VFT) program, which offers funding up to SEK 300,000 for activities like prototyping and market research. Additionally, Uppsala University Invest (UU Invest) provides seed capital and acts as an early investor in promising innovation projects and new companies based on research and education at the university. They also offer the VentureChallenge, a call for startup capital and a package for commercialization, providing up to SEK 500,000 for research-based business ideas. These resources, along with business development programs and networking opportunities through entities like Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC), aim to help students commercialize their ideas and accelerate time to market.

By choosing EWOR, Uppsala University 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. 

Uppsala University's local incubators foster a strong network and community to help students connect and collaborate. Key players like Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC) and UU Innovation provide vital support. UIC, a top-ranked incubator, offers programs, mentoring, and access to a wide network of investors, businesses, and other incubators. UU Innovation specifically supports students with early-stage idea development, networking, and guidance. The community is strengthened by co-working spaces like Innovation Stable at Uppsala Science Park, where startups can interact, attend events, and access resources. Organizations like STUNS also facilitate collaboration between the university, business, and public sectors. This interconnected environment helps students build valuable connections and turn their ideas into reality.

While local incubators at Uppsala University 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. 

Uppsala University is part of a strong innovation ecosystem that includes Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC), a highly-ranked business incubator. UIC offers various programs and services to support startups and growth companies, including business development, mentoring, networking, and access to funding and co-working spaces. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) of all Uppsala University-affiliated incubator programs are not explicitly stated, the university actively promotes "Active Student Participation" which involves collaboration between students and teachers, often at a local level. The university also utilizes hybrid meeting formats, suggesting a potential for hybrid program elements. The accessibility of programs, regardless of format, can impact student participation, with hybrid or remote options potentially increasing reach for those unable to attend in person. Uppsala University also works to improve accessibility for students with disabilities.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Uppsala University 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.

Uppsala University's local incubators, such as Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC), provide educational support to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. This includes a comprehensive incubation program offering physical workspace, resources, and networking opportunities. They provide business development support, including market research, business planning, and strategy development. UIC also organizes regular training sessions and workshops covering topics like product development, marketing, and branding. Additionally, the university offers Master's programs in Entrepreneurship that incorporate coursework, internships, and thesis work to prepare students for launching and developing new businesses.

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 Uppsala University'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 Uppsala University 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