EWOR vs Duke I&E Summer Accelerator: 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 Duke I&E Summer Accelerator and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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 Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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.

Duke I&E offers a 10-week Summer Accelerator program providing hands-on business and research experience. Participants work in teams on strategic projects for partner organizations, focusing on challenges like market entry or product launch. The program emphasizes applying innovation and entrepreneurship methods and mindsets. Unique support includes training and advising tailored to specific projects, learning innovative frameworks, and hearing from guest speakers. Financial support options, such as a stipend or on-campus housing and a smaller stipend, are also available.

In short, while Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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, Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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.

The Duke I&E Summer Accelerator provides student ventures with mentorship as a key component to their growth. Mentors, often experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, guide students in refining their strategies and business models. They offer wisdom and advice, helping students navigate challenges and make informed decisions. This mentorship, combined with resources and funding, helps student teams further their ventures and prepare them for scaling. The program emphasizes close mentoring relationships to help students de-risk their startups and achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

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 Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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.

The Duke I&E Summer Accelerator provides funding and support for student startups. A key funding option is a $5,000 grant for eligible ventures. This non-dilutive funding helps students advance their companies. Beyond the accelerator, Duke I&E offers other funding sources like the Duke Startup Showcase, which provides significant non-dilutive cash awards, and the Seed Stage Startup Award, offering up to $25,000. They also have programs like the Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs Accelerator and the Duke-UNICEF Innovation Accelerator, which provide funding, mentorship, and resources. These options, combined with mentorship and access to networks, help students secure capital and develop their ventures.

While Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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.

The Duke I&E Summer Accelerator fosters a strong community and provides valuable networking opportunities. It connects students and entrepreneurs with peers through shared spaces and programs, encouraging collaboration and idea exchange. The accelerator also facilitates connections with industry professionals and experienced advisors through mentorship programs and events like pitch competitions and conferences. This network includes Duke alumni and other community members, offering guidance and potential partnerships. These connections are crucial for gaining insights, overcoming challenges, and exploring future opportunities.

While Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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 Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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.

The Duke I&E Summer Accelerator, also known as I&E+, is a 10-week program for Duke undergraduates focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. While Duke doesn't release specific acceptance rates for its summer programs, they are generally considered less selective than the university's regular admissions. The program prioritizes first-years and sophomores and does not require prior experience in innovation or entrepreneurship. Applicants are chosen based on their application, with preference potentially given to students who have participated in other Duke I&E programs. The program provides hands-on experience, training, and mentorship, contributing to its value for students interested in entrepreneurship.

While Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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 Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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, Duke I&E Summer Accelerator 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