VCF-SC Support Helps Woman Entrepreneur Build Sustainable Rubber Recycling Enterprise

New Delhi, August 04, 2026: Financial support under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has helped entrepreneur Swarnalatha Nethipudi establish an automated rubber recycling enterprise in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, promoting sustainable manufacturing and circular economy practices.

Founded by Swarnakaruna Princeton Rubber Industries Private Limited, the facility converts waste tyres into high-quality crumb rubber powder ranging from 10 mesh to 40 mesh. With an installed production capacity of approximately 6,000 metric tonnes per annum, the plant addresses waste tyre disposal while producing value-added industrial raw materials.

In 2023, the company received ₹5 crore in financial assistance through the VCF-SC in the form of equity and optionally convertible debentures. The funding also enabled the enterprise to secure a second round of financial support from SIDBI, strengthening its expansion plans.

According to the Ministry, the project has recycled more than two lakh waste tyres, generated direct employment for 15 people, and created assets worth around ₹8 crore. The company has reported a net worth of ₹2.09 crore, revenue of ₹4.36 crore, and profits of ₹4.60 crore. It has also established business partnerships with companies including TVS Sundaram and Hincol.

Reflecting on the journey, Swarnalatha Nethipudi, Promoter, said, "With the support of Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, our enterprise gained the financial backing which enabled us to transform an environmental challenge into a sustainable business opportunity. Today, Swarnakaruna Princeton Rubber Industries is converting waste tyres into valuable industrial products, creating employment, promoting circular economy practices, and contributing towards a cleaner and greener India."

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the initiative demonstrates how targeted financial support through the VCF-SC is enabling entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses, generate employment and contribute to environmentally responsible industrial development. The programme aims to promote entrepreneurship, inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods across emerging sectors.