News

SwarmFarm Robotics have again been making global headlines in the #agtech startup and innovation space, this time in some challenging circumstances, resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Radicle Growth and Corteva Agriscience teamed up on the #RadicleChallenge to identify a promising international startup that is solving agricultural challenges with novel technology solutions, and support its success. Entrepreneurs with technologies across the agricultural landscape who are solving problems with breakthrough technology solutions were invited to apply.  In addition the to the USD $250,000 investment prize, the winner will gain access to Radicle’s company-building platform and the opportunity to engage with Corteva technology leaders to help shape, validate and refine the selected growth opportunities using virtual or actual on-the-farm assessments.

#AgFrontier cohort members, Andrew and Jocie Bate from SwarmFarm Robotics, based at Gindie in the Central Highlands, were selected as one of five finalists from around the world for this #RadicleChallenge. The competition was originally planned to be carried out at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco in the USA in mid-March 2020, however, with the postponement of this event due to #Covid19, the organisers took the opportunity to pivot (like all good entrepreneurs!) and go virtual.  Here’s Andrew speaking from the paddock ahead of the pitch event.

In a hasty re-format, the challenge went online, with the agtech innovation finalists, who each have the potential to disrupt the ag industry, pitching from around the world in a live streamed event. This gave a global audience a unique opportunity to have front row seats.  Andrew and Jocie were absolute troopers, having drawn somewhat of a short straw with a starting time of 1am (local time) here in Australia.  Despite the early hour, Andrew pitched like a champion and SwarmFarm did us proud.  US-based Scanit Technologies were awarded the gong for first place and Holganix, also an American company, won the “People’s Choice”.  You can view the #RadicleChallenge Finals here and see SwarmFarm’s pitch from the 43.30 minute mark.

From everyone at AgFrontier, well done Andrew and Jocie Bate! Swarmfarm continues to be in the top ranked agtech startups around the world and we are all very proud of you.