EWOR vs EPFL Changemakers: 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 EPFL Changemakers and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and EPFL Changemakers 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 EPFL Changemakers 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.

EPFL Changemakers offers a 10 to 12-week program designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and a changemaking mindset in students across all levels (Bachelor, Master, and PhD). The program structure includes workshops, mentoring sessions, and community building activities. Key features involve developing innovation and entrepreneurial skills, transforming early-stage ideas into real-life projects, and joining a supportive community. Unique educational support includes dedicated coaching from experts and entrepreneurs, peer-to-peer learning, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and potential partners. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, design thinking tools, and pitching skills, with a focus on projects that can have a significant positive impact.

In short, while EPFL Changemakers 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, EPFL Changemakers 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.

EPFL Changemakers offers a program where mentors guide students and entrepreneurs. Mentors, often experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, provide valuable expertise, advice, and feedback to help participants develop their ideas into real startup projects. They assist with various aspects of scaling ventures, including refining value propositions, business plans, product development, go-to-market strategies, team building, and fundraising. Mentors share their knowledge and experiences, acting as role models and offering structured support to help mentees navigate challenges and develop their leadership skills. The program emphasizes a community aspect, connecting participants with like-minded individuals and experts.

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 EPFL Changemakers 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.

EPFL Changemakers primarily supports students and entrepreneurs through comprehensive programs rather than direct funding. These programs, such as the Changemakers and Blaze Startup Accelerator, offer workshops, coaching, and networking opportunities to help participants develop their entrepreneurial skills and advance their startup projects. While not a direct funding source itself, participation in Changemakers can prepare startups for future innovation funding programs and connect them with potential investors. The program helps students build their early-stage ideas into projects or future startups and provides a community of like-minded individuals. EPFL does offer other funding opportunities like the QSE Innovation Seed Grants, which can provide initial seed funding for promising ideas in specific fields and may encourage participation in programs like Changemakers for further development. Additionally, EPFL offers Excellence Fellowships which provide financial support to students with strong academic and extracurricular, including entrepreneurial, backgrounds.

While EPFL Changemakers 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.

EPFL Changemakers fosters a strong community by connecting like-minded students, coaches, and entrepreneurs. Participants learn from peers and build a supportive network. The program facilitates connections with mentors and coaches, providing guidance for projects and personal development. Through workshops and dedicated sessions, students meet experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability. Peer-to-peer exchanges with other participants and EPFL student entrepreneurs are also encouraged. This network helps students connect with potential partners and industry professionals.

While EPFL Changemakers 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 EPFL Changemakers 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.

EPFL Changemakers is a program for current EPFL Bachelor, Master, or PhD students interested in developing entrepreneurial skills and turning ideas into projects with positive impact. While specific acceptance rates aren't readily available, the program emphasizes motivation and the potential for exciting projects over academic performance alone. Applicants are typically chosen based on their application, including a video, and their project's potential for societal or environmental impact. The program's prestige is linked to EPFL's reputation as a leading technical university. It provides a platform for students to develop innovative ideas, receive coaching, and connect with experts and a community of like-minded individuals.

While EPFL Changemakers 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 EPFL Changemakers 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, EPFL Changemakers 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