SwarmFarm Robotics, a Queensland-based agritech company, has secured $30 million in Series B funding to expand its autonomous farming technology, marking a significant step in the push for more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The round was led by Belgian agritech investor Edaphon, with a notable $7 million contribution from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) through its Powering Australia Technology Fund. Additional support came from QIC, Emmertech, Tenacious Ventures, and Artesian, among others.
The investment underscores growing confidence in SwarmFarm’s approach to autonomy—one that prioritizes flexibility and farmer collaboration over rigid, single-purpose machinery. Unlike traditional autonomous solutions that retrofit existing tractors or rely on proprietary systems, SwarmFarm’s lightweight “SwarmBots” operate as part of an open ecosystem. Farmers can attach various tools—sprayers, mowers, or spreaders—to the same robotic base, tailoring the technology to their specific needs.
**Redefining Efficiency and Sustainability**
The environmental and operational benefits of SwarmFarm’s technology are central to its appeal. The company reports that its robots, which have already logged over 220,000 operational hours across two million hectares, reduce herbicide use by up to 95% and cut fuel-related emissions by 35%. These figures align with broader industry demands for solutions that lower chemical dependency and carbon footprints without sacrificing productivity.
Malcolm Thornton, CEFC’s Head of Growth Capital, emphasized the broader implications: “SwarmFarm’s platform transforms how food is grown, using less fuel, fewer chemicals, and minimal soil disruption.” For farmers like Tom Coggan, the shift isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about regaining control. “We can design our farming system around what’s best for our land and business, not around the size of the machine,” he said.
**A Farmer-First Approach**
SwarmFarm’s origins in regional Queensland have shaped its farmer-centric philosophy. Founded in 2015 near Emerald, the company’s CEO, Andrew Bate, argues that the future of agriculture lies in “integrated autonomy”—systems built 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,” Bate said.
Investors echo this sentiment. Joost Van Laer of Edaphon called SwarmFarm “the dark horse in the race for autonomy,” citing its deep connection to on-farm realities. Tenacious Ventures, an early backer, highlighted the open ecosystem as a key differentiator: “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.”
**Expansion and the Road Ahead**
The funding will accelerate SwarmFarm’s expansion into North America, where demand for autonomous farming solutions is rising. It will also bolster production capacity and strengthen the company’s network of partner applications, reinforcing its open-platform strategy.
For an industry grappling with labor shortages, input costs, and sustainability pressures, SwarmFarm’s model offers a compelling alternative. By reducing reliance on heavy machinery and chemicals while maintaining—even improving—productivity, the technology addresses both economic and environmental challenges. The question now is whether this farmer-first approach can scale globally, and whether others in the sector will follow its lead.