Minnesota Contest Featured Innovative Hemp-Based Coating
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce recognized a new hemp fiber wall product in its annual innovation competition.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has named HempCoat, a hemp fiber-based wall coating, as a contender in the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest. Developed through a collaboration between AURI and Evolve Technologies, the product aims to modernize construction standards.
Why it matters
HempCoat offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wall materials while creating new market opportunities for industrial hemp. By streamlining construction processes, it targets significant efficiencies for builders.
HempCoat serves as a functional wall coating that eliminates the need for traditional drywall tape and carries fire-rating certification. It is projected to lower labor requirements by up to 30% compared to standard building techniques.
The players
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
This organization represents the interests of businesses across the state and hosts the annual contest to highlight local innovation.
AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute works to foster economic growth in Minnesota through the development of new uses for agricultural products.
Evolve Technologies
This company is the developer collaborating on the creation and implementation of the HempCoat fiber-based wall system.
The details
Applied directly as a coating during drywall construction, HempCoat uses hemp fibers to replace conventional finishing steps. The material serves as an integrated solution that provides necessary fire-rating compliance without the extra labor of taping seams.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest will be announced.
Culture Shift
The push for products like HempCoat mirrors a broader shift toward sustainable building materials in the construction sector. This trend signals a transition away from conventional synthetic components in favor of high-performance, plant-based alternatives.
For local contractors and builders, this technology offers a direct way to reduce labor time and material dependency on drywall tape. Residents interested in sustainable home improvements may find this an efficient way to integrate eco-friendly materials into new construction.
The takeaway
Using hemp in construction demonstrates how agricultural waste can be repurposed into high-value, labor-saving building materials. Builders should monitor the outcome of this contest to see if these materials begin to gain broader adoption in residential markets.
What happens next
The winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest will be announced on October 6, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more innovations in the Organic Food section for additional context on sustainable products.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.
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Should building innovation be prioritized over traditional construction methods in your area?
