EWOR vs IP Paris startup incubators: 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 IP Paris startup incubators and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and IP Paris startup incubators 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 IP Paris startup incubators 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.

IP Paris offers several startup incubators and programs, including X-UP, Télécom Paris Incubator, and IMT Starter, supporting ventures at various stages, particularly DeepTech startups. These programs provide tailored support, including individualized coaching, expert-led workshops, and access to prototyping facilities like X-FAB. They focus on helping startups transition from proof of concept to market readiness, achieve commercial traction, and scale up. Unique educational support includes specialized Master's programs like the X-HEC Data Science for Business, integrating AI and Data Science, and opportunities for students to work on their startup projects as part of their curriculum. The incubators also leverage the IP Paris ecosystem, connecting startups with researchers, industry experts, and potential investors.

In short, while IP Paris startup incubators 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, IP Paris startup incubators 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.

IP Paris incubators, such as X-UP, Télécom Paris Incubator, and IMT Starter, offer comprehensive mentorship programs to help startups scale. These programs provide individualized support from experienced mentors, including startup managers, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and alumni. Mentors assist with various aspects of venture scaling, such as refining business models, achieving product-market fit, developing commercial strategies, fundraising, and recruitment. Startups also benefit from access to expert consulting, thematic workshops, and the extensive IP Paris ecosystem, including research labs, corporate partners, and investor networks. This tailored guidance and network access are crucial for navigating the challenges of growth and achieving success.

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 IP Paris startup incubators 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.

IP Paris incubators offer various funding options to support startups. These include access to IMT Numérique interest-free loans and connections to networks of business angels, public investment banks, and venture capital funds. They also facilitate access to organizations that provide innovation and funding support. The incubators support students and entrepreneurs by providing dedicated programs, such as a summer school course and internships for students, along with individualized coaching and workshops. They help entrepreneurs structure their projects, network with potential investors and partners, and develop their businesses. IP Paris also has initiatives like an annual call for premature projects to foster Deeptech entrepreneurship and a ventures fund by alumni to support startup development.

While IP Paris startup incubators 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.

IP Paris startup incubators foster a strong community through workshops, meetups, and events, connecting students and entrepreneurs with peers and alumni. They provide access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and mentors. This includes opportunities to connect with business angels, public investment banks, investment funds, and lawyers. The incubators also facilitate participation in international trade shows and offer access to the broader IP Paris innovation ecosystem and partner networks. Located across multiple sites, including Station F, they offer immersion in large startup communities and access to a wide range of resources and connections.

While IP Paris startup incubators 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 IP Paris startup incubators 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.

IP Paris is known for its highly selective admissions process across all its programs, including those that would engage with its innovation ecosystem and incubators. The institution itself is considered a world-class leader in science and technology. Admission criteria typically include a strong academic background, with emphasis on mathematics and physics, a compelling statement of purpose, and strong letters of recommendation. For some programs, interviews and exams are also part of the selection process. While specific details on the selectivity of the startup incubators themselves are not explicitly stated, the overall prestige and rigorous selection for IP Paris programs suggest a competitive environment for incubator admission, likely prioritizing innovative projects and promising entrepreneurial teams.

While IP Paris startup incubators 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 IP Paris startup incubators 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, IP Paris startup incubators 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