Stratolaunch's Talon-A Wins California Coolest Thing Contest
The reusable autonomous vehicle took the large-manufacturer category of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association's fourth-annual contest.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Stratolaunch Systems Corp.'s Talon-A won the large-manufacturer category of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association's fourth-annual Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, decided by more than 124,000 online votes over six weeks. Separately, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office awarded Stratolaunch a California Jobs First grant of more than $222,000 for an aerospace electrical training facility.
Why it matters
The contest recognizes manufacturing innovation across the state, and the state grant signals public support for aerospace workforce training. The recognition and funding both highlight California's role in advanced aerospace manufacturing.
The contest was decided by more than 124,000 online votes cast over six weeks. Stratolaunch also received a California Jobs First grant of more than $222,000 for an aerospace electrical training facility.
The players
Stratolaunch Systems Corp.
A Mojave-based aerospace company developing reusable hypersonic test platforms and aircraft.
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California, whose office awarded the Jobs First grant to Stratolaunch.
California Manufacturers & Technology Association
A statewide trade organization that runs the annual Coolest Thing Made in California Contest.
The details
The Talon-A, a reusable autonomous vehicle that flies at more than five times the speed of sound from the Mojave Air and Space Port, was selected through public online voting. The state's Jobs First initiative also directed $6.85 million in August to the Mojave Air and Space Port and a new "Aerospace Valley" innovation hub.
Timeline
August: The Mojave Air and Space Port and the Aerospace Valley hub received $6.85 million from California Jobs First.
Six weeks: The online voting period for the Coolest Thing Made in California Contest.
November 9, 2026: The California Manufacturers & Technology Association announced the contest winners.
Market Landscape
The contest recognition and state grants underscore California's ongoing investment in aerospace and advanced manufacturing through the California Jobs First program. The Mojave port award and the Stratolaunch training grant extend that regional funding into workforce and test infrastructure.
The state grant supports training pathways for aerospace electrical work, which may widen hiring options for workers in the Mojave area. Public recognition contests like this one give California manufacturers visibility with local residents and buyers.
The takeaway
Public-facing recognition and targeted state grants can both help advanced manufacturers grow their local workforce. Readers tracking California's aerospace sector can watch how Jobs First funding translates into training programs and facilities in the coming years.
Further reading
Explore more on Manufacturing in California's industrial sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Havasu News.
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Should California use public grants to fund aerospace manufacturers like Stratolaunch?
