MINNEAPOLIS — A blueprint registry, a men’s style consultancy and two crafts manufacturers are among the companies chosen for Target Corp.’s first-ever start-up accelerator.

After getting more than 500 applications from tech-based start-ups around the world, the retailer selected 10 to be embedded at its headquarters for the inaugural Target + Techstars ­accelerator.

“We received twice as many applications as a typical Techstars accelerator. 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 start-ups for most of my career, I am stoked to see the energy transfer between Target and the start-ups: Target empowering the start-ups with our expertise, and the start-ups infusing their passion, energy and focus into Target.”

The selected companies include AddStructure, which employs technology to turn bits of random information into structured data using sophisticated machine-learning and sentiment analysis.
Blueprint Registry lets users create customized, shoppable blueprints of their homes so that wedding guests can use them to discover and buy gifts from participating retailers.
Branch Messenger’s software solves large scheduling and communications challenges for hourly workers; users can easily swap shifts, view schedules and message coworkers, right from their phones.

Inspectorio, meanwhile, is tackling major supply chain challenges with a mobile platform guiding inspectors through each step of the ­process.

Itsbyu provides kits for users to create their own wedding flower arrangements.

MakerBloks creates interactive games and craft materials to help children learn about electronics, technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) concepts.

MakersKit developed a service that provides D-I-Y craft kits and instructional videos to inspire creativity in all age groups.

Nexosis turns data into actionable intelligence that businesses can use to improve all aspects of their supply chains.

Revolar’s wearable technology is designed to prevent sexual assault by sending alerts that can help keep wearers safe.

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 under way at Target, will also join the program this summer as the accelerator’s in-house start-up. 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 teams’ founders will work in a newly built 8,000-square-foot accelerator space.