SwarmFarm Robotics scales up for smarter, cleaner farming
Versatile technology enables farmers to slash agriculture emissions
The CEFC, through the Powering Australia Technology Fund, has committed $7 million to SwarmFarm Robotics to help the Queensland-based company scale up production of robot technology that can transform the way food is grown.
$7 million
CEFC commitment
35%
lower emissions
Innovative
robotics
SwarmFarm’s innovation offers a commercially viable, scalable solution - and that’s exactly what the Powering Australia Technology Fund was built to support.Malcolm ThorntonHead of Growth Capital, CEFC
Our investment
European agritech investors Edaphon led the capital raise which was supported by existing investors QIC, Emmertech, Tenacious Ventures and Artesian Capital.
SwarmFarm has a manufacturing facility in Toowoomba, Qld, and has already deployed about 200 robots across Australia, which are focused on broadacre growing applications.
The customisable robots can be used for a variety of agricultural and horticultural applications and have the potential to transform the way food is grown by using less fuel, fewer chemicals and minimising soil disruption.
Backing companies making critical breakthroughs
The CEFC commitment was made through the $500 million Powering Australia Technology Fund (PATF), which backs innovative companies making breakthroughs in critical technologies.
Through PATF, the CEFC can invest directly in Australian climate tech businesses that support Australia’s transition to net zero emissions and via funds investing in Australian climate tech businesses that are driving the development, commercialisation or take up of clean energy technologies.
Learn more about the PATF investment approach.
OUR IMPACT
Reducing emissions, keeping farms competitive
Australia’s agricultural sector accounts for up to 18 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, agriculture contributes billions to Australia’s GDP.1
Creating pathways to help farmers reduce their emissions helps them stay competitive and meet climate targets.
SwarmFarm robots provide farmers with tools and practices that fundamentally reduce agriculture’s environmental impact. The SwarmBot technology, which can be used for precision weed control and no-till farming, can reduce herbicide use by up to 95 per cent and cut fuel-related emissions by 35 per cent.
By putting smart technology in the hands of growers and providing more flexibility in addressing potential labour shortages in agriculture, we're helping to reshape the future of growing systems.Andrew BateCEO, SwarmFarm Robotics
Tackling emissions from the ground up
The CEFC works across the agricultural sector to support emissions reduction through finance for equipment upgrades and environmental plantings, as well as investment in ground-breaking agricultural platforms that are committed to improved sustainability across production systems and landscapes. Find out more about our diverse agricultural investment approach.
1. ABARES: Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2025
