Manufacturers Compete for Top Honors in SMM and Large Manufacturer Brackets
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association(CMTA) announced today that public voting is now open in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in California contest. This annual competition celebrates the range of products made by manufacturers across the Golden State, highlighting the diversity and innovation of California’s manufacturing sector.
The contest, which received more than 115 California-made nominations, features a new format this year, with all eligible products competing in the Popular Round before advancing into two distinct brackets: one for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and another for large manufacturers. The addition of the SMM bracket levels the playing field, ensuring that manufacturers of all sizes have a chance to showcase their products and compete for top honors.
“The Coolest Thing Made in California contest serves as a timely reminder of the critical role manufacturers play in our state,” said CMTA President & CEO Lance Hastings. “As voting begins, we’re excited to showcase the products that are not only cool, but also driving our economy, creating jobs, and shaping the future.”
In the first round of voting, the Popular Round, the public can vote for their favorite products from the full list of eligible nominations. The results will determine the 16 SMMs and 16 large manufacturers that advance to the Top 16 round, followed by the Top 8 and Top 4 rounds. Votes can be cast at CoolestThingCalifornia.com.
Previous winners of the statewide competition include the X-59 supersonic jet, made by Lockheed Martin in Palmdale (2025), and the World’s Fastest Microchip, made by Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach (2024). This year’s nominations span categories including aerospace, medical, electronics, food and beverage, consumer goods, and more.
Voting in the Popular Round closes September 17 at midnight, with subsequent rounds continuing through October 8. The winners from each bracket will be announced at the awards ceremony on October 28 in Sacramento.
The Coolest Thing Made in California contest is made possible in part by the support of our sponsors: BMO, Solstice Advanced Materials, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, Three29, and The Plastics Guy.
For more information, visit CoolestThingCalifornia.com.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $382 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.2 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.