Voting Opens for 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut

Public voting opened today for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition.

Now in its third year, the single-elimination, bracket-style challenge is produced by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with business growth firm CONNSTEP.

The competition celebrates Connecticut manufacturing by showcasing the sector’s world-class products and the highly skilled workforce that makes them.

Sixteen Connecticut-made products will compete head-to-head, with the public voting weekly for their favorites.

Round one voting is underway through CBIA’s website.

Creativity, Expertise, Innovation

The top vote-getters will advance through each round of the bracket, culminating in the championship matchup before the winner is announced Oct. 1 at the Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit.

The finalists represent the breadth of Connecticut manufacturing, from medical and safety devices to aerospace components, food products, consumer goods, household items, and more.

“The companies and products in this year’s bracket reflect the creativity, expertise, and innovative spirit that make Connecticut a global manufacturing leader,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“This competition gives people a chance to discover the incredible products being made in communities across our state and celebrate the manufacturers behind them.”

Round One Matchups

The round one matchups are:

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

Electric Boat’s Virginia-Class submarine won the inaugural challenge in 2024 and Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense’s Frangible Joint was last year’s winner.

The finalists were nominated by the public and business leaders from across the state.

‘Shines a Light’

“One of the things I love most about the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition is how it shines a light on the incredible diversity of products manufactured across our state,” said CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez.

“It’s a reminder that Connecticut manufacturers are solving problems, driving innovation, and producing world-class products every single day.”

After the competition, all 16 finalists will be featured in a special exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center beginning Nov. 5.

The competition is made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, ASG Information Technologies, Medtronic, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense, and media partner WTNH News 8.

Tune in throughout the competition for coverage of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut, including product spotlights, matchup results, and competition updates.

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The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity is a 501(c)(3) organization created to address the evolving needs of Connecticut’s economy. The foundation’s primary goal is charting a course for sustained economic growth that drives further predictability and greater opportunity for all Connecticut residents.

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CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).