CBIA BizCast: Meet the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Contenders

Voting is officially underway for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition.

The single-elimination, bracket-style challenge showcases Connecticut’s world-class manufacturing industry.

On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, we introduce you to the 16 Connecticut-made products that are competing head-to-head in the bracket.

The public will vote weekly to decide which products advance each round, until the winner is announced Oct. 1 at the at the Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit.

The products in this year’s bracket represent the breadth of Connecticut manufacturing, from medical and safety devices to aerospace components, food products, consumer goods, household items, and more.

Episode Highlights

• Medtronic Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery System
• Eljen Corporation Geotextile Sand Filter 
• Martin Rosol’s Kielbasa 
• Inline Plastics Safe-T-Fresh Packaging 
• The Lee Company Satellite Propellant Isolation Valve 
• Whelen Engineering Company Arges Remote Spotlight 
• Ti-Trikes Roadster 750 
• Accurate Lock and Hardware JAM for Accurate Designer Hardware 
• RBC Bearings Satellite Bearing Cartridge 
• Sheffield Pharmaceuticals Dr. Sheffield’s Toothpaste 
• Waterbury Button Company Santa Claus Brass Button 
• Chapco-Fastcorp Dippin’ Dots DIVI Vending Machine 
• BD BD Syringe
• Poly-Tech America Tilt-N-Deploy 
• Calzone Case Co. Calzone Go Live Workstation 
• Omar Coffee Breakfast Blend 

Headlines You May Have Missed 

• Connecticut 2026 Primary Election Results
• Survey: AI Anxiety Tops Employer Concerns
• Freight Projections: Rail Expands, Trucking Stays Dominant

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