New Delhi, Apr 4 (KNN)  Asia’s largest business angel group has called for applications for a programme to support innovations in farm to market logistics, particularly innovators with ideas to get farm produce to markets, faster, better and cheaper and with less waste.
 
Called F2ML, the programme managed by Indian Angel Network (IAN) and supported by Michelin, is designed to provide mentoring, access to funding and technical assistance by industry experts to innovators whose solutions will help make the food supply chain operate more efficiently.
 
Farm-to-Market Logistics includes products and services in the area of procurement, transportation, storage, distribution, preservation, processing and retailing of farm produce.
 
The F2ML program is a virtual incubation program.  Shortlisted innovators/entrepreneurs will receive assistance on designing their products or service, building the prototype, getting customer validation and preparing the foundation for commercialization of the idea.
 
Although designed for a period of up to one year, there is a possibility of further extension on a case-to-case basis.  The process of selection will include shortlisted applicants being invited for a one to one discussion; and selected innovator/entrepreneur will be assigned a business mentor from the IAN mentor pool comprising of successful entrepreneurs, investors and senior professionals.
 
Conducted in Delhi, the program will begin with an orientation and deep-dive interaction between the mentor and the mentee, as well as relevant persons from IAN and Michelin.
 
While innovator/entrepreneur(s) should ideally attend in person, if not from Delhi, they will be connected via Skype/Video Conference/Calls.
 
Applications open from 2nd April till 30th April 2014.
 
As far as benefits of the programme are concerned, entrepreneurs will receive experienced perspectives to help them take decision on their products/service design.  They will also receive guidance and assistance in accessing resources as well as the commercial and market viability of the concept.
 
The program is open for Individuals, teams or Indian start-ups and SMEs based in India
For innovators with patented ideas, they should have a clear title of the patent.
 
Indian Angel Network is India's first and Asia's largest business angel group with successful entrepreneurs and dynamic CEOs interested in investing in startup / early stage ventures which have the potential of creating disproportionate value.

The Network, in addition to money, provides constant access to high quality mentoring, vast networks and inputs on strategy as well as execution. The Network members, because of their background are better able to assess the potential and risks at the early stage.
 
The Network looks at a broad spectrum of investments such as Agriculture / Food processing; Banking and Financial Services; Biotech, Pharma and Life Sciences; Clean tech and Water; Education; Healthcare; High end BPO / KPO; Internet; IT products and services; Media, Entertainment and Mobile VAS; Retail; Travel, Tourism and Hospitality.  (KNN/ES)