US retailer Target to support 6 Indian startups

Minneapolis, US-based retailer Target Corporation on Tuesday selected six Indian startups as part of its "Accelerator Programme" that gives companies the opportunity to implement their solutions in real-world scenarios and measure the results in real time.

The selected startups will be part of a four-month intensive programme focused on transformative and technology-driven ideas to create solutions for today's rapidly changing retail environment, the company said in a statement.

The startups selected will work on developing customised retail solutions using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), computer vision, natural language processing and analytics, it added.

These startups will have access to Target mentors, tools, resources and operational support -- as well as workspace at Target's Bengaluru offices.

"Over the last couple of years, India has become a superpower driving innovation in the retail sector across the globe," said Rakesh Mishra, Vice President of Marketing at Target India.

The Target Accelerator Programme was launched in December 2013.

The selected startups for the sixth batch of the programme are Kenome, Point105-AR, Quilt.ai, Moodboard, Eder.ai and StyleDod.

Kenome uses AI to help enterprises make sense of dark data using deep learning, natural language processing and knowledge graphs.

Point105-AR provides a holistic 3D asset management solution for augmented reality experiences.

Quilt.ai uses AI tools to build a large research and action platform.

Moodboard provides a tool that leverages AI to provide insights on product performance trends that aid in future product design.

Eder.ai offers a distributed computing platform with Blockchain-grade encryption which enables secure AI to help scale research and unearth new intelligence.

StyleDod provides a tool that automatically converts floorplans into 3D designed rooms, fully furnished with merchandisable products.

To date, 30 startups have graduated from the programme and worked with Target teams, the company said.

--IANS

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