Target names Simplicity Challenge finalists

Target announced eight finalists of its Simplicity Challenge, the retail chain's search for “great ideas that simplify healthcare and help individuals and families improve their health and well-being,” according to the company’s website.

The retailer launched the challenge in September. The company had requested innovative ideas in two categories: helping people make positive lifestyle and prevention choices, and helping people live well with a chronic condition.

The eight finalists include:

• Medication compliance tracking app (submitted by Kimberly W., Rochester, Minn.)—A mobile app that provides medication times, dosing and a photo of the medication/pill while helping track medication compliance.

• Simply balanced café (submitted by Carter R, Minneapolis, Minn.)—Take-n-make meals made from locally grown, fresh organic ingredients offered at Target’s in-store café.

• For 100 million diabetics & pre-diabetics: A “Target” centered approach to health and care (submitted by Matthew K., Los Gatos, Calif.)—A storewide system that helps individuals manage or prevent a diabetic condition by promoting and identifying healthy products.

• Make it easier to take aspirin daily for prevention (submitted by Tina C., Burlingame, Calif.)—A redesign of low-dose aspirin packaging to make it easier to take daily for chronic disease prevention.

• Well-being marketing (submitted by Greg S., Franklin, Tenn.)—When consumers purchase qualifying healthy foods, services and products from participating organizations, a portion of their purchase price would be credited to that individual's health savings account as a rebate.

• Mobile jump start to healthy living (submitted by Rochelle N., Lauderdale, Minn.)—A health initiative that allows Target customers to buy healthy foods at a discounted price while engaging them in an interactive web/mobile app experience focused on healthy living.

• Healthy shopping coach (submitted by Greg H., Minnetonka, Minn.)—An app that allows customers to access coaches, or dieticians employed by Target Clinics via chat, phone or video conferencing to receive guidance on their purchases.

• Target care registry (submitted by Raven C., Stafford, Texas)—an online gift registry for caregivers of individuals suffering from chronic health conditions.

To determine final winners, Target is soliciting votes through Dec. 9 at www.targetsimplicitychallenge.com. One winner from each category will be selected through a combination of public votes and the Simplicity Challenge judging panel. The two grand prize winners will each receive $25,000, a trip to Minneapolis to present their idea and a chance to partner with Target "to explore making their vision a reality," according to the retailer.