Public Voting Opens for Coolest Thing Made in Iowa

The annual competition highlights the state's diverse manufacturing sector.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:24am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a selection of premium, polished metal and wood objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the innovative products manufactured across Iowa.A showcase of the innovative and diverse manufacturing capabilities of Iowa businesses, as celebrated in the annual Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition.Coralville Today

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has launched public voting for the third annual Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition. The statewide contest aims to showcase the state's vibrant manufacturing industry, which contributes over $44 billion to Iowa's economy and employs more than 215,000 people.

Why it matters

The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition provides a platform to celebrate the state's manufacturing prowess and the innovative products being created by businesses across a wide range of industries, from agricultural equipment to consumer goods. It also underscores the economic importance of manufacturing to Iowa's overall GDP and job market.

The details

Public voting is open from April 7 to April 15, 2026 on the competition's website, www.coolestthingia.com. During the initial round, voters can select up to four different products. The 16 products that receive the most votes will then advance to a bracket-style tournament, where voting rules change to limit participation to one vote per device every 24 hours.

  • Public voting opened on April 7, 2026.
  • Public voting will remain open through April 15, 2026.
  • The winner will be announced live during the annual Taking Care of Business Conference from June 2 to June 4, 2026.

The players

Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI)

A representative for Iowa businesses since 1903, consisting of member companies from all industries and sizes across all 99 counties in the state. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers.

Nicolet National Bank

An ABI member company that is presenting the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition.

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What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition will be revealed live during the annual Taking Care of Business Conference from June 2 to June 4, 2026, in Coralville and Iowa City.

The takeaway

The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition showcases the diverse and innovative manufacturing capabilities of businesses across the state, underscoring the vital role that the manufacturing sector plays in Iowa's economy.