SwarmFarm Robotics Dominates 2025 Australian Agritech Awards Gala
Brisbane, June 3, 2025 – The 2025 Australian Agritech Awards Gala brought together innovators, investors, producers, researchers, and policymakers to celebrate the people and technologies transforming agriculture across the country. Held at the iconic Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, the Gala was a powerful evening of recognition, reflection, and momentum for the sector.
The night featured a special address from Ash Bacon, Acting Deputy Director-General, Agriculture – Queensland Department of Primary Industries, a keynote from David Lord, Senior Manager, Customer & Growth – growAG. , AgriFutures Australia and an inspiring President’s Address from Rob Hulme, each highlighting the global potential, collaborative spirit, and national importance of Australian agritech.
Award Highlights
The standout of the evening was SwarmFarm Robotics, with founders Jocie and Andrew Bate taking home four major awards:
- Best Founders
- Best in Broadacre
- Agritech of the Year
- Hall of Fame
SwarmFarm Robotics has pioneered autonomous farming platforms that are redefining broadacre agriculture. Their technology is enabling more efficient, precise, and sustainable on-farm practices – reducing chemical use, minimising soil compaction, and enhancing productivity.
Full List of 2025 Award Winners and Presenters
- Best in Climate Tech – Agscent
Presented by Deon Goosen, Beanstalk AgTech - Best Early Stage – HiveKeepers
Presented by Pip Grant, Riverine Plains - Best in Horticulture – Bitwise Agronomy
Presented by Anthony Kachenko, Hort Innovation - Best Founder/s – Andrew & Jocie Bate, SwarmFarm Robotics
Presented by Christine Pitt, Farmers2Founders - Best in Livestock – Agscent
Presented by Ailie Webb, NSW DPI – Farms of the Future - Best Scale Up – Agronomeye
Presented by Ange Wakeman, evokeAG – AgriFutures Australia - Best in Food Tech – Froff
Presented by Philippe Ceulen, Mandalay Venture Partners - Best in Broadacre – SwarmFarm Robotics
Presented by Alicia Dunbar, Queensland Department of Primary Industries - Agritech of the Year – SwarmFarm Robotics
Presented by Bill Mitchell, Optiweigh (2024 Agritech of the Year recipient)
Special Honours
Hall of Fame – Jocie & Andrew Bate (SwarmFarm Robotics)
Presented by Tim Neale, Former AusAgritech President & DataFarming
The Hall of Fame Award honours individuals whose long-term contributions have helped shape the trajectory of Australian agritech. Jocie and Andrew Bate have been instrumental in transforming how large-scale agriculture is approached through robotics and autonomy, helping to position Australia as a global leader in farm innovation.
Liz Alexander Ecosystem Builder Award
Presented by Tim Neale, Former AusAgritech President & DataFarming
This newly established award honours the legacy of the late Liz Alexander, who played a foundational role in building Queensland’s agritech ecosystem. Through her leadership in the AgFrontier program, work with i4Connect, and board roles at Cotton Australia, QRIDA, and Plant Health Australia, Liz championed collaboration, commercialisation, and regional innovation. The award recognises individuals and organisations who embody this same spirit – building networks, removing barriers, and advancing the agritech sector for collective impact.
Event Highlights
The night was brought to life by industry favourites Matt Dalgleish and Andrew Whitelaw, who brought a perfect blend of insight and entertainment as emcees. Their humour and energy kept the evening engaging and connected.
AusAgritech extends sincere thanks to the 2025 Gala sponsors: the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, AgriFutures growAG and Hort Innovation. Their support plays a vital role in advancing national collaboration, visibility and impact across Australia’s agritech sector.
Media enquiries
Meg Lovegrove
Executive Officer
Australian Agritech Association
+61 466 492 266 | marketing@ausagritech.org
About Australian Agritech Association
AusAgritech is the peak national body for agritech in Australia, dedicated to elevating the nation’s agritech sector both locally and globally. Our mission is to unite innovators, investors, regulators, researchers, and the public to foster collaboration and address sector fragmentation. Our vision is a thriving agritech ecosystem with continuous innovation, investment, and talent influx. Guided by our values – Connect, Promote, Advance – we champion collaboration across the agri-food tech supply chain, government, research, and investment sectors. AusAgritech is committed to leading the transformation of Australian agritech, supporting national agricultural productivity and global recognition.
http://www.ausagritech.org
