Final Four Selected for Coolest Thing in Minnesota
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has named the four finalists competing for the state's top manufacturing title.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has narrowed the field to four products for the third annual Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota competition. Finalists include the Fire Boss, Trackchair, Teardrop Trailer, and Bair Hugger.
Why it matters
This competition showcases the diverse manufacturing capabilities across Minnesota and highlights the specific local communities driving industrial innovation. It serves as a platform for residents to recognize the products built within their state.
Four products remain in contention for the title after 60 initial entries were eliminated from the competition. The finalists represent manufacturing sites in South St. Paul, Marshall, and Eagan.
The players
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
This organization represents the interests of businesses across Minnesota and hosts the annual Manufacturers' Summit.
Fire Boss
This is an aerial firefighting system manufactured in South St. Paul that has a water capacity of 820 gallons.
Trackchair
This is an all-terrain wheelchair manufactured in Marshall capable of navigating through 10 inches of water.
Teardrop Trailer
This is a compact luxury camper trailer that is manufactured in Eagan.
Bair Hugger
This is a medical temperature-management system that is manufactured in Eagan.
The details
The competition features a bracket-style format where voters choose between locally manufactured goods through an online portal. Past winners of the competition include Scotch Magic Tape and the Polaris MRZR.
Timeline
The competition began in 2024.
The Polaris MRZR won the competition in 2025.
Voting for the 2026 winner ends at 11 a.m. on October 6.
The final winner will be revealed on October 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
This competition reflects a broader trend of regional manufacturing promotion aimed at bolstering local industry identity. By highlighting specific products, the chamber strengthens the competitive standing of Minnesota-based businesses against national and global market rivals.
Residents can directly influence the competition results by participating in the final online vote before the deadline. This process allows consumers to engage with and support the businesses that drive their local economy.
The takeaway
The competition serves as a reminder of the varied industrial goods produced within state borders. Residents are encouraged to review the finalist products to understand the technological innovations currently emerging from local manufacturers.
What happens next
The public can cast their final votes through the online portal until 11 a.m. on October 6, followed by the winner announcement at the Manufacturers' Summit in Minneapolis that same day.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's industrial sector on the Consumer Goods section page.
More information
To cast a vote for your favorite product, visit the competition voting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Twin Cities.
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