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

This article breaks down how EWOR and ETH Entrepreneurship 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 ETH Entrepreneurship 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.

ETH Entrepreneurship offers various programs designed to foster innovation and support aspiring entrepreneurs. These programs often combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, utilizing real-life cases and talks from startup community members. Key features include providing students with a comprehensive view of managing entrepreneurial ventures and creating value from technological inventions. They also teach students how to identify opportunities, gather resources, and prepare for careers as independent entrepreneurs or "intrapreneurs" within corporations. Unique support includes access to the ETH Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lab (ieLab), which provides business advice, free office space, coaching, and a network of contacts for legal, financial, and management issues. The Pioneer Fellowship is another unique offering, providing funding and support to researchers looking to commercialize their work. Additionally, initiatives like ETH juniors and the RocketHub incubator offer project experience, mentorship, networking events, and resources for early-stage startups.

In short, while ETH Entrepreneurship 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, ETH Entrepreneurship 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.

ETH Entrepreneurship offers various mentorship programs to support students and entrepreneurs. Mentors, often experienced investors and entrepreneurs, provide guidance on various aspects of building and scaling ventures. This includes refining business models, developing business traction, and implementing growth strategies. Programs like the Pioneer Fellowship provide mentoring alongside funding to help commercialize research. The RocketHub incubator, managed by the ETH Entrepreneur Club, also offers a mentorship program to help early-stage startups elevate their journey. Additionally, programs like "Technology and Entrepreneurship" focus on developing scalable, technology-based ventures and preparing students to pitch to investors. Mentors assist by sharing expertise, challenging ideas, and providing feedback to help navigate the startup process and achieve growth.

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 ETH Entrepreneurship 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.

ETH Entrepreneurship offers various funding options to support students and entrepreneurs. One key initiative is the Pioneer Fellowship, which provides substantial grants (up to CHF 150,000) and support for researchers looking to turn their technology into startups. Additionally, the jFund, financed by ETH juniors, offers seed capital and early-stage funding through a three-round program with increasing amounts (CHF 10,000, CHF 30,000, CHF 60,000). They also help secure capital by connecting founders with investors and providing access to a network of experienced coaches and partners. Programs like Venture Challenge help participants refine their business ideas and learn how to approach investors. Beyond direct funding, ETH Entrepreneurship provides resources, expert guidance, infrastructure like office and lab space, and networking opportunities through initiatives like the RocketHub incubator and various events.

While ETH Entrepreneurship 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.

ETH Entrepreneurship fosters a vibrant community that connects students and entrepreneurs with peers and industry professionals through various initiatives. They provide networking opportunities via events, workshops, and seminars, allowing individuals to exchange ideas and build relationships. The ETH Entrepreneur Club, a student organization, plays a key role in organizing these events and connecting students with startups and industry representatives. Additionally, programs like the ETH Entrepreneurship Affiliates network offer access to experienced mentors, experts, and entrepreneurs-in-residence for guidance and support. Platforms and events like LAUNCH also facilitate connections between founders, investors, and corporates. This comprehensive ecosystem helps students and entrepreneurs gain valuable insights, find co-founders, and connect with potential investors and partners.

While ETH Entrepreneurship 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 ETH Entrepreneurship 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.

ETH Zurich is a highly prestigious university globally, consistently ranked among the top for science and technology. Its entrepreneurship programs are selective, reflecting the university's overall high standards. Admission criteria vary by program, but generally include a strong academic record, a relevant degree (Bachelor's for Master's, Master's for PhD), and English proficiency. For specific entrepreneurship programs like the CAS in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures, candidates should also be involved in or demonstrate a strong interest in technology-based ventures. Some programs may require entrance examinations. Selection often involves reviewing applications and conducting interviews.

While ETH Entrepreneurship 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 ETH Entrepreneurship 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, ETH Entrepreneurship 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