EWOR vs Catapult at Penn GSE: A Complete Comparison

Choosing the right platform to grow your startup can shape everything – from who you build with to how fast you scale. If you’re deciding between Catapult at Penn GSE and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and Catapult at Penn GSE compare across five key areas – programme structure, mentorship, funding, network, and selectivity – so you can choose the platform that best matches your ambition.

1. Programme Structure and Educational Support

Both EWOR and Catapult at Penn GSE offer structured programmes designed to help entrepreneurs grow. But they differ significantly in depth, flexibility, and global access.

EWOR offers two core fellowships:

• Ideation Fellowship, for refining and validating early-stage ideas
• Traction Fellowship, for scaling existing ventures

Both combine founder-led education, expert mentorship, and startup-building resources tailored to your stage. The experience is modular and remote-first – designed to move with you, not slow you down.

Each programme combines founder-led education, real-world mentorship, and global access. Participants get 24/7 access to a curated library of over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and modules – designed by unicorn founders, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs. From validating ideas to securing your first term sheet, the modules are tailored to support you and your journey as a founder.

Catapult, the EdTech Virtual Accelerator by Catalyst at Penn GSE, supports education technology entrepreneurs globally. It offers a research-centered ecosystem with tailored learning experiences, mentor engagement, and community building. Key features include a robust content hub with over 15,000 pieces of content and various activity hubs for assessment and mentorship. Catapult provides unique educational support through personalized content and lean startup methodologies, helping entrepreneurs integrate research-based evidence into their business models. It is a free platform open to all aspiring education entrepreneurs.

In short, while Catapult at Penn GSE offers a solid foundation through on-campus resources and local networking, EWOR provides greater flexibility – with a global reach and a more in-depth entrepreneurial curriculum ideal for students seeking international exposure and mentorship.

2. Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance – it’s about who’s guiding you. EWOR links fellows with unicorn founders, exited entrepreneurs, and top operators across industries. These aren’t guest speakers; they’re active full-time mentors at EWOR, many of whom have built and exited €1B+ companies like SumUp, ProGlove, and Adjust. 

By contrast, Catapult at Penn GSE often leans on faculty or regional entrepreneurs. While valuable, this advice can be theoretical or context-limited. EWOR offers mentorship grounded in real outcomes – helping you tackle investor meetings, product pivots, or global go-to-market strategy with confidence.

Catapult at Penn GSE offers a virtual accelerator program that includes personalized mentorship from industry experts. Mentors assist students and entrepreneurs in refining their business models, gaining critical insights on the market, and developing strategies for growth and impact. This guidance helps ventures prioritize research-to-practice, measure their effectiveness, and prepare for scaling their innovative solutions to address educational challenges. The program provides a structured yet flexible approach, connecting entrepreneurs with the resources and expertise needed to navigate the stages from idea to scale.

At EWOR, mentorship isn’t theoretical – it’s experiential. You’re matched with experienced mentors who are a part of a global network of over 1,000 investors and mentors. Whether you're refining your pitch, making your first hires, or navigating product-market fit, you'll have seasoned operators at your side – helping you move faster and build smarter.

3. Funding and Investment Opportunities

One of the key differences between EWOR and Catapult at Penn GSE is the access to funding. EWOR provides up to €500,000 in funding for selected startups, offering crucial financial support in the early stages. Beyond that, EWOR connects participants with a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angels. Fellows also take part in what is called the “Grand Pitch”, an exclusive event where they present to hundreds of vetted investors, helping reduce fundraising time by over 80%. On average, EWOR founders raise 130% more than typical pre-seed startups at 2.5x higher valuations, thanks to the quality of the network and hands-on support. It’s not just about finding capital - it’s about raising smarter, faster, and on better terms.

Catapult at Penn GSE, a virtual accelerator, supports education entrepreneurs through various avenues, primarily centered around the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC). This global competition offers significant funding opportunities, with over $2 million in cash and prizes awarded since 2010. Winners and finalists have gone on to secure over $200 million in follow-on funding. Beyond direct prize money, Catapult provides resources and support to help startups become investor-ready. This includes personalized mentorship from industry experts, venture development support, and networking opportunities with investors and potential customers. Semifinalists of the EBPC gain access to the Catapult virtual accelerator, receiving feedback and building connections within a global network of educators, entrepreneurs, and investors. The program helps companies refine their business plans, measure impact, and prepare for pitching to investors.

While Catapult at Penn GSE may offer grants or seed funding for early-stage startups, EWOR’s ability to provide substantial initial funding and connect entrepreneurs with a global investor network gives it a clear edge in supporting scalable business growth.

4. Networking and Community

Being part of a supportive entrepreneurial community can make a significant difference in an entrepreneur’s journey. EWOR fosters a tight-knit, selective community that includes some of the most promising entrepreneurs from around the world. Participants gain more than just access to mentors, experts, and investors – they join an exclusive network of peers who are just as driven, talented, and committed to building ambitious, high-impact startups. For example, many fellows are working on startups that tackle urgent global challenges such as climate change, education inequality, mental health, and financial inclusion.

Catapult at Penn GSE, a virtual accelerator by Catalyst @ Penn GSE, offers significant community and networking benefits for students and entrepreneurs in the education innovation space. It connects individuals with a global network of educators, entrepreneurs, and investors. Participants gain access to expert mentorship from industry professionals and strategic advisors. Catapult facilitates connections through various avenues, including the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition, which provides opportunities for in-person networking with investors and potential customers. The platform also fosters community building and offers tailored learning experiences and mentor engagement. This ecosystem helps entrepreneurs refine their business models, engage with mentors, and build valuable relationships to support their ventures.

While Catapult at Penn GSE likely has a strong on-campus community and access to local networks, EWOR’s global reach and exclusive cohort model ensure that participants can connect with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors from different regions and industries. 

5. Selectivity and Prestige

Both EWOR and Catapult at Penn GSE are selective in admitting participants, but the level of exclusivity differs. EWOR is known for being highly selective, accepting only the top 0.1% of applicants. This ensures that participants are surrounded by equally talented and driven individuals, creating a stimulating environment where excellence is the norm.

Catapult, part of Catalyst @ Penn GSE, is a virtual accelerator associated with the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition, which is considered highly prestigious. It attracts education and edtech innovators globally. Applicants are chosen by education experts and industry leaders based on several criteria: innovation, scalability, equity, and potential impact on learning outcomes. Other factors considered include market potential, the leadership team's qualifications, competitive advantage, and financial viability. Ventures addressing inequities in education and those founded by or serving marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

While Catapult at Penn GSE may have its own competitive admissions process, EWOR’s rigorous selection criteria and international focus create a prestigious network of entrepreneurs who are among the best in their field, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.

In case you’re unsure whether EWOR is the right fit for you, here are just a few recent fellows:

• Jørgen Tveit – Oxford engineering graduate, co-designer of a revolutionary underwater flywheel, and recipient of Europe’s largest-ever pre-seed round (€13M).
• Lukas Köstler – PhD in Computer Vision (TUM), ex-Tesla Autopilot engineer, now building a Spatial AI startup backed by Lakestar and Seedcamp (€4M raised).
• Nick D'Aloisio – Founded his first company at 16 (€30M exit to Yahoo), sold his second to Twitter, and is now working on neuro-inspired deep learning.
• Faris Fakhry – MIT nuclear physicist assembling a team to develop a next-gen fission test reactor, backed by Thiel Fellowship founders.
• Rihab Lajmi – Ex-Google/Microsoft engineer with 100k+ followers, now building a conversational AI recruiter targeting a €30B market.

These are the kinds of people you’ll build alongside at EWOR. Don’t settle for average. Build with the exceptional.

That’s a Wrap

Choosing between EWOR and Catapult at Penn GSE isn’t just about comparing features – it’s about deciding the kind of founder you want to become.

If you’re looking for local resources and campus connections, Catapult at Penn GSE may offer a solid start. But if you’re building for something bigger – if you want global mentorship, significant early funding, and a community that challenges you to operate at the highest level – then EWOR is built for you.

Want to see if EWOR’s Ideation or Traction Fellowship is right for you? Explore how our fellowships work – or start your application today.

Image credits: Kaleidico on Unsplash