Startups
Fostering Innovation in Natural Rubber
A platform to ideate, conceptualise & execute
Opportunities in Rubber Manufacturing
Kerala's soil yields a golden opportunity for rubber startups. As the heartland of Indian natural rubber, launching your venture right in Kerala offers immediate and cost-effective access to raw material, significantly lowering logistics costs.
This raw material security, coupled with a well-developed supporting chemical industry, makes Kerala the best location to set your rubber-based startup.
The State Government further enhances this with an investment-friendly policy, simplified procedures through Single Window Clearance systems, and the user-friendly KSWIFT online platform to get all necessary approvals.
Kerala offers raw material security, supportive policies, and scope in rubber processing and value-added products. Discover more
609.6K Tonnes
State-wise Natural Rubber Production (2023-24) in Kerala
146.1K Tonnes
State-wise consumption of Natural Rubber (2023-24) in Kerala
548.3K Hectare
State-wise Rubber Planted Area (2023-24) in Kerala
63.3%
of the Natural Rubber produced in India is Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS)
71%
of rubber production is from Kerala
41.6%
of the Natural Rubber consumed in India in 2023–24 was RSS
Kerala Rubber Limited Kerala Rubber Limited
Kerala Rubber Limited Kerala Rubber Limited
Startup Ecosystem
Plans are underway to support startups from spark to scale by providing the tools, network, and expertise needed to bring innovative ideas in the rubber industry to life.
Ideate
Share ideas with KRL to refine your vision through insights and collaborative brainstorming for the rubber sector.
Conceptualise
Bring your idea to life by registering with KRLs’ entrepreneurship lab and accessing the state-of-art Research & Development team.
- Use the facilities to create prototypes
- Constant mentoring by relevant experts
Execute
Build your rubber startup with KRL’s manufacturing support, mentorship, and industry connections — from prototype to production.
Entrepreneurship Lab*
A structured program for first time entrepreneurs and experienced business owners, exploring opportunities in Natural Rubber based manufacturing.
Learn
- Recurring webinars on opportunities in Natural Rubber based products.
- Deep dive sessions focused on specific industries or product categories. These events will be conducted by experts from research, product development and industry leaders.
- Regular sessions on the latest schemes and support from the Government and our partners.
Conceptualise
- Bring your idea to life by registering with KRLs’ entrepreneurship lab and accessing the state-of-art Research & Development team.
- Use our facilities to create prototypes
- Constant mentoring by relevant experts
Launch
- Interact with manufacturers in our ecosystem to explore contract manufacturing
- Use the facilities to create prototypes
- Enjoy the added advantages of Single Window Licensing, expert panel consultants, trade events at KRL, certifications, etc.
on the latest events at entrepreneurship lab
*Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate planned or future availability.
Reports & Resources
Access downloadable guides, funding insights, mentorship programs, and growth resources to help startups scale successfully.
No documents available yet.
Stay tuned — more resources will be published soon.Opportunities with Natural Rubber
Explore Kerala's rubber industry across key verticals. See annual sales, growth potential, major export markets, and the products driving the sector forward.
- Automotive
- Industrial Products
- Medical products
- Footwear
- Clothing
- Sports Products
- Dipped Products
- Automotive
- Industrial Products
- Medical products
- Footwear
- Clothing
- Sports Products
- Dipped Products
Automotive
Annual Market Size: ₹5,14,750 crore | Growth Potential: 4.5% CAGR
Major Export Markets: China, USA, Germany, UAE, Nepal
Approximately 75% of all natural rubber produced globally is consumed by the automotive industry, with India using 946,230 metric tons in the automotive tire and tube sector alone in 2025. Rubber compounds are used for the production of tires, seals, gaskets, belts, and vibration dampening components.
Industrial Products
Annual Turnover: ₹8,130.99 crore | Growth Potential: 3.89% CAGR
Major Export Markets: China, Germany, USA, Netherlands, Malaysia
Industrial rubber applications utilize approximately 4.93 lakh tonnes (493,000 metric tons) annually in India as of 2024, projected to reach 6.22 lakh tonnes by 2030. This sector consumes rubber for conveyor belts, hoses, gaskets, seals, and industrial machinery components across manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure sectors.
Medical products
Annual Revenue: ₹245.15 crore | CAGR: 7.6% CAGR
Major Export Markets: USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia
The medical sector utilizes specialized rubber production with India accounting for 3.7% of the global medical grade silicone rubber market, consuming specialized rubber for latex gloves, catheters, and medical equipment components.
Footwear Products
Annual Revenue: ₹2,31,365 crore | CAGR: 4.85% CAGR
Major Export Markets: USA, Germany, UK, Japan, Australia
Rubber footwear manufacturing consumed 111,790 tonnes of rubber, utilized for sports shoes, protective footwear, and industrial safety boots.
Clothing and Textiles
Annual Revenue: ₹19,70,840 crore | Growth Potential: 11.98% CAGR
Major Export Markets: USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Middle East
Rubber-coated fabrics and technical textiles utilize rubber for protective clothing, waterproof materials, and industrial applications.
Sports Products
Annual Revenue: ₹1,73,950 crore | Growth Potential: 7.9% CAGR
Major Export Markets: USA, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia
The sports market utilize rubber for sports balls, athletic equipment, and protective gear. India accounted for 5.9% of the global sports equipment market in 2021.
Dipped Products
Annual Sales: ₹2,289.36 crore | Growth Potential: 8.17%
Major Export Markets: UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia
The dipped latex products market in India is valued at almost USD 2.3 billion globally in 2024, with natural rubber gloves accounting for more than two-thirds of the disposable gloves segment. India's latex market represents a significant portion of global concentrated latex consumption for gloves, balloons, condoms, and medical dipped goods.
Important Updates
Join the Startup Network
Connect with innovative startups, mentors, investors, and industry experts. Stay updated on funding opportunities, programs, and growth strategies.
Events Calendar
Browse through our complete calendar of events, including past highlights and upcoming programs.
No Upcoming Events at the moment. Stay tuned — Events will be posted soon.
Connect with Our Experts
Our resource persons are available to support industries and institutions with insights and expertise in natural rubber applications.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how rubber in Kerala sustains communities and drives local industry.
Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions
Get in Touch!
Connect with KRL for partnerships, opportunities, or support. Kerala Rubber Limited team is ready to guide you, just a message or call away.
Kerala Rubber Ltd. Administrative Office of KPPL, Newsprint Nagar P.O, Velloor, Kottayam - 686 616
