A $7 million injection from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is set to propel SwarmFarm Robotics, a regional Queensland-based agritech company, into its next phase of growth—one that promises to redefine sustainable farming across Australia. The funding, drawn from the CEFC’s Powering Australia Technology Fund, will fast-track the production and deployment of SwarmFarm’s autonomous “SwarmBots,” lightweight robots designed to slash herbicide use by up to 95% and cut fuel-related emissions by 35%.
The investment forms part of SwarmFarm’s Series B capital raise, led by European agritech fund Edaphon, with support from existing backers including QIC, Emmertech, Tenacious Ventures, and Artesian Capital. For the CEFC, the decision to back SwarmFarm aligns with its mandate to fund scalable, commercially viable solutions that reduce emissions—particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like agriculture, which accounts for around 16% of Australia’s greenhouse gas output.
At the heart of SwarmFarm’s innovation is precision agriculture. The autonomous robots, designed and manufactured in Toowoomba, enable targeted weed control through spot-spraying, drastically reducing the volume of chemicals required compared to conventional boom-spraying methods. The technology also supports “no-till” farming—a practice that minimises soil disturbance to preserve its structure, retain moisture, and lower carbon emissions from fuel-heavy machinery. For farmers, this translates to lower input costs, improved soil health, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Malcolm Thornton, CEFC Head of Growth Capital, emphasised the broader significance of the investment. “SwarmFarm’s platform transforms how food is grown, using less fuel, fewer chemicals, and minimal soil disruption,” he said. The CEFC’s backing, he noted, is not just about reducing emissions but also about fostering homegrown technology that can compete on a global scale. “We’re supporting a company with a strong track record that’s now poised for its next stage of growth,” Thornton added.
For SwarmFarm CEO Andrew Bate, the funding validates the company’s mission to reshape farming systems from the ground up. The SwarmBots, he explained, are modular platforms capable of integrating various attachments—from precision sprayers to mowers—giving farmers the flexibility to tailor the technology to their specific needs. “They’ve already been deployed in some of Australia’s most challenging environments,” Bate said, highlighting the robots’ adaptability in broadacre applications, from grain crops to cotton. With labor shortages plaguing the agricultural sector, the automation offered by SwarmBots also presents a practical solution to operational constraints, allowing farmers to reallocate workforce resources more efficiently.
The company’s roots in regional Queensland underscore a broader trend: the rise of agritech innovation outside traditional urban hubs. SwarmFarm’s manufacturing facility in Toowoomba has already rolled out 200 robots across Australia, with demand driven by the technology’s ability to deliver customised, data-driven solutions. The CEFC’s investment will accelerate production, enabling SwarmFarm to expand its reach and refine its offerings—including potential applications in horticulture, where precision and sustainability are equally critical.
This latest commitment follows the CEFC’s previous investments in Australian clean energy technologies, such as EcoJoule Energy’s grid-stabilising solutions and Energy Locals’ push to improve clean energy access for apartment dwellers. For SwarmFarm, the funding arrives at a pivotal moment, as the company seeks to scale its impact beyond Australia’s borders. As Bate put it, “We’re creating new farming systems from the soil up”—a vision that, with the CEFC’s support, is now closer to becoming a reality for farmers nationwide.
The implications extend beyond environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on chemicals and fuel, SwarmFarm’s technology could help farmers navigate rising input costs and regulatory pressures, while improving the long-term viability of their land. For an industry grappling with climate variability and sustainability demands, the rise of autonomous, precision-driven solutions may well mark a turning point in how food is produced—one robot at a time.