Last October, we invited startups to apply for our first-ever Target + Techstars accelerator — and heard from more than 500 tech-based startups from around the world.

After months of careful review, we’re ready to announce the 10 chosen companies, all ready to relocate to Minneapolis and embed themselves at Target HQ this summer.

“We received twice as many applications as a typical Techstars accelerators. It really blew us away,” said West Stringfellow, vice president of internal innovation and operations at Target. “Leaders from across Target have volunteered to mentor and share their expertise with the selected companies this summer. Having worked in and with startups for most of my career, I am stoked to see the energy transfer between Target and the startups: Target empowering the startups with our expertise and the startups infusing their passion, energy and focus into Target.”

Founders from each of the startups listed below arrive next week to begin a rigorous 14-week accelerator program with guidance from mentors like chairman and CEO Brian Cornell, chief strategy and innovation officer Casey Carl, senior vice president of product design and development Julie Guggemos, chief digital officer Jason Goldberger, chief creative officer Todd Waterbury and more. In turn, Target hopes to learn from the startups’ pace and work style.

AddStructure

Based in Chicago and New York, AddStructure’s impressive technology can turn bits of random information into structured data using sophisticated machine-learning and sentiment analysis.

Blueprint Registry

This Seattle-based registry startup lets users create customized, shoppable blueprints of their own homes so wedding guests can use them to discover and buy gifts from participating retailers.

Branch Messenger

Launched out of Los Angeles, Branch’s strong core team has built software that solves large scheduling and communications challenges for hourly workers; users can easily swap shifts, view schedules and message co-workers, right from their phones.

Inspectorio

All the way from Hong Kong, Inspectorio’s team is tackling major supply chain challenges with a mobile platform that guides supply chain inspectors through each step of the process.

itsbyu

This female-led company based out of Philadelphia and New York has an innovative business approach to a traditional industry—they provide kits for users to create their very own wedding flower arrangements.

MakerBloks

The MakerBloks team, based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, creates interactive games and craft materials to help children learn about electronics, technology and STEM concepts.

MakersKit

Also based in Los Angeles, the founding team from MakersKit developed a service that provides DIY craft kits and instructional videos that inspire creativity in all age groups.

Nexosis

This Westerville, Ohio, machine learning company turns data into actionable intelligence that businesses can use to improve all aspects of their supply chains.

Revolar

Founder Jacqueline Ros, based in Denver, created Revolar’s wearable technology to help prevent sexual assault by sending alerts that can help keep wearers safe.

Spruce

Created by a husband-and-wife team – also out of Denver – Spruce offers a men’s style consultancy and barbershop that blends online services with a new kind of physical store experience.

Good & Gather, a concept already underway at Target, will also join the program this summer as the accelerator’s in-house “startup.” Created by the Food + Future coLab team in Cambridge, Mass., Good & Gather replaces traditional food labels with clear lists of ingredients in an effort to promote food transparency.

Each of the team’s founders will arrive in Minneapolis on June 20 for the program’s first day, ready to hit the ground running. They will work in a newly built 8,000 square foot accelerator space in our Minneapolis headquarters.

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