In a world where entrepreneurship moves fast—and education innovation moves even faster—founders often find themselves facing a familiar challenge: how to translate bold ideas into sustainable momentum.
That’s where the Milestone Makers program from the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center comes in.
Each 12-week cohort provides individualized mentorship, strategic coaching, and a tight-knit founder community, all centered around one defining goal: helping entrepreneurs achieve the milestone that will move their business forward, fast.
For many, that milestone becomes a turning point.
A Structure That Creates Results
“Milestone Makers didn’t just give me structure and accountability; it gave me clarity, momentum, and a sense of alignment that I really needed,” said Sheryl Barbosa, founder of Sustain Cities Network. “I made major decisions that had been lingering too long, and built tangible assets that will carry this venture through its next phase of growth.”
That structure, combined with biweekly check-ins, mentor support, and community encouragement, is one reason 98.9%% of Milestone Makers achieve or exceed their milestone during the program.
“I’ve now completed three accelerator programs and one fellowship,” said Oliver Luker of Seq Solutions. “There is no question that this is one of the best resourced and prepared.”
Action Over Intention
While many founders enter the program with a vision, Milestone Makers gives them the urgency and support to act.
“If I didn’t have the 12-week deadline to launch our product, perhaps we would not have achieved what we have,” shared Jimmy Braimah, founder of Workskuad.
William Bruner of Reset added: “Having a defined milestone with built-in accountability provided the structure and urgency I needed. It was the exact push required to shift from being caught in ‘busy work’ to taking more focused, strategic action.”
A Space for the Entrepreneur—and the Mission
One of the program’s greatest strengths? Its ability to meet founders where they are while helping them become who they’re meant to be.
“I just want to say how much this program has helped me grow, both personally and professionally,” said Jordan Taylor, a Spring 2025 participant. “It wasn’t always easy, but that’s what made it so valuable.”
That blend of challenge and care resonated with Anoushka Sinha too: “Reaching this milestone is not only a structural win for our initiative but also a symbolic one. It affirms the belief that youth-led efforts, when backed by strategic, values-aligned advisors, can grow with both intention and influence.”
Now Accepting EdTech Founders: Fall 2025 Cohort
As Milestone Makers opens applications for its Fall 2025 cohort, the program turns its focus to EdTech founders, entrepreneurs building technologies, platforms, and tools that make learning more accessible, equitable, and effective.
Founders accepted into the program will receive:
- 1:1 mentorship with industry leaders in education, tech, and venture
- Strategic coaching to accelerate their next big milestone
- Media visibility and promotional support—including Nasdaq’s MarketSite tower in Times Square
- A global community of peers facing similar challenges and opportunities
Applications are open through July 28th, 2025 at 11:59pm PT
Whether you’re building AI-powered tutoring platforms, upskilling tools, immersive learning environments, or ed-equity solutions—we’re here to support your journey.
Because milestones matter. And so do the people behind them.
