145+
SwarmBots in commercial operation
Image source: SwarmFarm Robotics300,000+
Farming hours saved
7.1 million litres
of chemical output reduced
7m+ acres
farmed across Australia and the US
When lifelong farmers Andrew and Jocie Bate set out to solve the inefficiencies of traditional farming machinery, they built something revolutionary – SwarmFarm Robotics.
SwarmFarm’s autonomous SwarmBots are lightweight, efficient, and designed to transform farming operations by reducing labour reliance, lowering chemical usage, and optimising productivity. Controlled via a mobile app and integrated into an ecosystem of attachments and implement partners, SwarmBots enable precision farming at scale, replacing outdated, heavy machinery with a smarter and more sustainable solution.
With strong industry tailwinds, growing customer adoption, and a scalable platform strategy, SwarmFarm is well-positioned to lead the next wave of autonomous agriculture.
Why We Invested
At QIC Ventures, we back founders solving real-world problems with scalable solutions. SwarmFarm embodies this.
Farmers are facing mounting challenges, from rising input costs to labour constraints. Having lived these challenges firsthand, founders Andrew and Jocie Bate have built a solution that is already proving its value, with growing adoption, increasing unit sales, and international exports.
When we first invested in SwarmFarm, we identified three key industry tailwinds:
- Labour shortages driving demand for automation.
- Regulatory and market pressures to reduce chemical usage.
- Advancements in rural connectivity enabling seamless autonomous operations.
These trends have only strengthened in the time since, reinforcing our conviction in SwarmFarm’s long-term potential.
SwarmFarm is now more than just a robotics company – it is building a platform. Through its SwarmConnect ecosystem, third-party developers can integrate new applications and attachments, unlocking additional value for farmers and expanding SwarmFarm’s market reach.
Scaling SwarmFarm: QIC’s Investment Journey
- 2020 – First Investment: Supported engineering expansion and early SwarmBot production.
- 2023 – Follow-on Investment: Backed rapid growth, doubling workforce, and achieving first U.S. export.
- 2024 – Further Investment: Enabled manufacturing relocation to Toowoomba to support increase in demand.
With strong market tailwinds, a proven product, and scalable operations, we believe SwarmFarm is on track to become a global leader in autonomous farming – and we’re excited to be backing them on this journey.
Further information
QIC Limited ACN 130 539 123 (“QIC”) is a wholesale funds manager, and its products and services are not directly available to, and this document may not be provided to any, retail clients. QIC is a company government owned corporation constituted under the Queensland Investment Corporation Act 1991 (QLD). QIC is also regulated by State Government legislation pertaining to government owned corporations in addition to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“Corporations Act”). QIC does not hold an Australian financial services (“AFS”) licence and certain provisions (including the financial product disclosure provisions) of the Corporations Act do not apply to QIC. Other wholly owned subsidiaries of QIC do hold AFS licences and are required to comply with relevant provisions of the Corporations Act. QIC also has wholly owned subsidiaries authorised, registered or licensed by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Korean Financial Services Commission. For more information about QIC, our approach, clients and regulatory framework, please refer to our website www.qic.com or contact us directly.
For more information about QIC, our approach, clients and regulatory framework, please refer to our website www.qic.com or contact us directly.
The statements and any opinions in this document (the “Information”) are of a general nature and for commentary purposes only and do not take into account any investor’s personal, financial or tax objectives, situation or needs. The Information is not intended to constitute and should not be relied on as personal legal or investment advice and it does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, securities or any other investment, investment management or advisory services.