Submissions for the HBCU Technology Challenge have now closed.

Eligibility: The HBCU Technology Challenge Contest ('Contest”) is open to residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older at the time of entry, who are currently enrolled in a Historically Black College or University (‘HBCU”). Employees of Target, its affiliates, subsidiaries and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the Contest. Void where prohibited by law.

How to Enter: Following the detailed procedures identified on the HBCU Technology Challenge website, Contest Participants (‘Participants”) have the opportunity to register to participate in this challenge beginning February 22, 2021 until March 22, 2021.  The submission period will begin on March 22, 2021.  Participants may choose to submit an entry to all three challenges: HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge, HBCU Technology Challenge, and HBCU Design Challenge. Participants, however, are eligible to have only one entry become a Contest finalist/winner. 

Contest Period: Entries can be submitted beginning March 22, 2021 until 11:59 PM CST on April 2, 2021.  

Judging Criteria: Entries submitted will be judged by Software Engineers & Leaders as well as Technology Recruiters. The decisions of the judges are final. We will be looking for solutions that meet the following four (4) criteria:  

• Design: Team demonstrates unique or original use of tools, technology, process, and/or architecture to solve a given problem. Team considers a novel solution to a problem (i.e. they researched what Target is already doing)  
• Pitch: Team shows energy, clarity, and creativity when delivering their solution.  Can you explain what you did and why?    
• Code/Technical Challenge: Team developed solid code and thought through a strong design. Could it work? Does it address the issue?  
• Impact: Team demonstrates great consideration of users (Target guest/team member) to improve or create a new shopping experience. Clearly articulates the problem and how the technical solution will solve and create impact.  

Prizes:

First Place Prize Winner(s) - one individual or a team of up to 2 - Total Value up to $3,700:

Note: If you choose to work in a team of two (2), the cash prize will be split evenly between the two team members.  All other listed prizes will be awarded individually.

• $2,000 Cash prize 
• MacBook ($1,500 value)   
• One-Year AlgoExpert Membership ($100 value)   
• Shipt Membership ($99 value)   
• And more! 

Second Place Prize Winner(s) - one individual or a team of up to 2 - Total Value up to $1,800:

Note: If you choose to work in a team of two (2), the cash prize will be split evenly between the two team members.  All other listed prizes will be awarded individually.

• $1,000  Cash prize 
• Apple iPad ($600 value)   
• One-Year AlgoExpert Membership ($100 value)   
• Shipt Membership ($99 value)   
• And more! 

Runners-Up - one individual or a team of up to 2 - Total Value up to $700: 

Note: If you choose to work in a team of two (2), the cash prize will be split evenly between the two team members.  All other listed prizes will be awarded individually. 

• $500 Target Gift Card 
• One-Year AlgoExpert Membership ($100 value) 
• Shipt Membership ($99 value) 
• And more! 

All Participants Receive:

• An invitation to join an exclusive leadership development workshop led by Target Tech leaders
• The opportunity to add the HBCU Technology Challenge as a line item on their resume

Winner Selection & Notification: 

• Contest Finalists will be notified by email by approximately April 9, 2021. 
• Finalist presentations will take place on April 16, 2021. 
• First Place and Runner-up prize winners will be notified by email on approximately April 23, 2021. 
• Prizes will be awarded by approximately May 7, 2021. 

Acknowledgments: By participating in this Contest, Participants are confirming that you understand that submitted concepts may or may not be part of Target’s previous, current or future business endeavors. By uploading a submission you agree to give Target a royalty free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, license for incidental use of your submission in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, only for historical, promotional or marketing purposes.

Documents: All Finalists will be required to execute and return a Release/Wavier Agreement. In addition, Potential First and Second Place Winners will be required to execute and return a Conveyance of Intellectual Property Agreement. No prizes will be awarded unless both members of the team sign the appropriate release documents. Finalists are responsible for any prize taxes and will be issued an IRS form 1099 where required by law.