Key Takeaways
- SwarmFarm Robotics secured $30 million in Series B funding led by Edaphon, with $7 million from CEFC.
- The Clean Energy Finance Corporation’s investment was made via the Powering Australia Technology Fund.
- The company’s “SwarmBots” reduce herbicide use by up to 95% and fuel emissions by 35%.
- Funding will accelerate North American expansion and grow SwarmFarm’s open ecosystem of partner applications.
- Investors include QIC, Emmertech, Tenacious Ventures, Artesian, and others.
SwarmFarm Robotics Secures Support from Global and Local Investors
Regional Queensland-based SwarmFarm Robotics raised $30 million to scale its autonomous farming technology, according to Business News Australia. The round was led by Belgian agritech investor Edaphon and included $7 million from the CEFC’s Powering Australia Technology Fund, alongside support from QIC, Emmertech, Tenacious Ventures, and Artesian.
CEFC Head of Growth Capital Malcolm Thornton said: “We’re backing the next generation of Australian made agricultural technology that gives farmers a smarter, cleaner way to manage their land. SwarmFarm’s platform transforms how food is grown, using less fuel, fewer chemicals and minimal soil disruption.”
SwarmFarm Robotics’ Integrated Autonomy System
Founded in 2015 in Gindie near Emerald, SwarmFarm Robotics develops lightweight autonomous “SwarmBots” designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in farming. Unlike retrofitted tractor kits or single-purpose robots, SwarmFarm’s platform supports an open ecosystem of attachments — including sprayers, mowers, and spreaders — giving farmers flexibility to customize systems.
CEO Andrew Bate commented: “The future of agriculture isn’t bigger machines or bolt-on driverless kits. It’s integrated autonomy — technology designed from the ground up to work with farmers, not around them. With this raise, we’re not just building more robots; we’re building a new farming system that helps farmers do more with less, while preserving the productivity of their land for future generations.” (Business News Australia)
Environmental Benefits and On-Farm Impact
SwarmFarm Robotics reports that its robots have logged more than 220,000 operation hours across two million hectares, saving an estimated 5.2 million tonnes of chemicals. The company states that its technology reduces herbicide usage by up to 95% and cuts fuel-related emissions by 35%.
Thornton added: “SwarmFarm’s technology represents an important step forward that gives farmers new tools and practices to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. The robots have proved successful in reducing herbicide costs and equipment outlay, while reducing overall emissions associated with traditional farming practice.”
Farmer Tom Coggan noted: “As a farmer, what excites me about SwarmFarm isn’t just the robots — it’s the freedom they create. We can design our farming system around what’s best for our land and business, not around the size of the machine.” (Business News Australia)
Global Expansion and Investor Confidence
The Series B raise will support SwarmFarm Robotics in expanding its operations in North America, scaling production capacity, and growing its partner ecosystem.
Edaphon’s Joost Van Laer described the company as “the dark horse in the race for autonomy,” saying: “Their deeply rooted connection to on-farm reality creates a level of trust few companies achieve — and it is that farmer-first spirit that truly sets them apart.” (Business News Australia)
Tenacious Ventures, an early backer, highlighted SwarmFarm Robotics’ farmer-centric design: “Their robots integrate different attachments from different partners. An open ecosystem that puts control back in farmers’ hands. From worrying about running out of alphabet letters to farmers naming their own fleet — that’s the kind of scale problem you want to have.”
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