Agricultural technology startup SwarmFarm Robotics has attracted an additional $4.5 million in funding to continue its expansion and production capabilities.

The funding, co-led by Tenacious Ventures and Artesian and with the support of the
Queensland Business Development Fund, will enable the company to scale its engineering and technical teams, step up production and continue to support the growth of its robotics business both locally and internationally.

SwarmFarm Robotics was founded by Jocelyn and Andrew Bate who farm at Gindie in Queensland’s Central Highlands.

Commercial farmers are now using their autonomous platform known as SwarmConnect.

For the past two years, SwarmFarm robots have weeded, sprayed or mowed more than 90,000ha of farmland.

Mr Bate said the funding unlocks the boundless potential of agricultural technology.

‘Just scratching the surface’

"We're building an ecosystem for autonomous farming called SwarmConnect whereby independent developers can release new farming solutions as apps and attachments on board our robots," he said.

"We are just scratching the surface of how apps, released via SwarmConnect, can allow the brightest minds from around the world begin to solve agricultures problems one app at a time.

"Raising this funding round builds on the trust and relationships we have built with our early adopter customers and SwarmConnect partners who have backed our team in the early days of the company."

Sarah Nolet of Tenacious Ventures says SwarmFarm is an example of a homegrown technology company with the ability to transform an industry.

"We couldn't be more pleased to lead this (funding) round along with Artesian Ventures," she  said.

Source: Farming Ahead