Target looking for a few good tech start-ups

Target Corp. has operated an innovation lab in San Francisco since 2013, but now the retailer is eyeing a more accelerated and outward-focused approach to innovation.



In collaboration with Boulder, Colorado-based startup accelerator Techstars, Target is creating a new retail accelerator program that will launch next year in Minneapolis.



Later this year, Target and Techstars will put out a call for technology start-ups that are focused on impacting retail. The new accelerator will consider companies focused on all areas of the retail enterprise, including supply chain, data analytics and omnichannel retailing.



“We know that technology will continue to revolutionize retail, and that Target’s future will be built on innovation,” said Casey Carl, chief strategy and innovation officer for Target. “That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Techstars and invite the world’s most promising startups to work with Target right in our backyard.”



Startups that are accepted into the program will be offered investment capital, along with mentor support from Target executives, plus access to Techstars’ support network of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors.



The Techstars program will be a three-month, immersive, mentorship-driven startup accelerator, according to Techstars. It will be based near Target’s headquarters in downtown Minneapolis.