Voting for the winner starts Monday, Sept. 9

Sacramento, Calif. – The four finalists of the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), have been announced. From a pool of 138 products and over 230,000 votes later, the Top 4 products in the contest are:

1. Phenix Technology Inc.’s First Due Fire Helmets
2. Northrop Grumman’s World’s Fastest Microchip
3. Pivotal’s Helix Personal EVTOL Aircraft
4. Amai’s Edible Cups

These products have captured the essence of California’s manufacturing prowess, standing out for their quality, creativity, and impact on various industries. Their selection as the Top 4, voted on by the public, is a testament to their exceptional contributions to the state’s manufacturing landscape.

“The excitement around this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest has been incredible to watch, as the reach has nearly doubled in size from last year,” said Ananda Rochita, Vice President of Communications, CMTA. “With over 135 products entered into the contest, we’re seeing a true showcase of California’s innovation, ranging from the aerospace industry to food production. We’re thrilled to see such strong support from across the state and look forward to finding out who this year’s winner will be at our conference in October.”

The competition is now in its final stages, and these Top 4 products are head-to-head as the public decides the ultimate winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in California” title. Voting for the final round is open to the public from Monday, September 9 to Thursday, September 12, at CoolestThingCalifornia.com. We encourage everyone to cast their votes and support their favorite product, as every vote counts in determining the winner.

Amai Inc.’s Edible Cups Made in Carlsbad beat Zoox’s Robotaxi

These are the coolest things ever! Made from recovered beer grains, Amai’s innovative solution addresses global waste with a one-two punch: repurposing nutritious ingredients into a single-use alternative. Available in three, six, and nine ounce sizes, these cups hold hot water without leaking for 48 hours, are vegan, high in protein, low in sugar, and soy-nut-dairy-egg-free. Great for coffee, ice cream, snacks or anything you can dream up, Amai cups are as delicious as they are environmentally friendly.

Northrop Grumman’s World’s Fastest Microchip Made in Redondo Beach beat Stratolaunch’s Talon-A

Did you know that a CA company holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest microchip ever made? The microelectronics chip, or integrated circuit – manufactured out of a Microelectronics Foundry in Redondo Beach, CA – is a hundred times smaller than a sand grain, one-tenth the width of a human hair, and 1,000 times faster processing speed than microchips in smart phones. The chip is a type of “amplifier” for signals, and operates at 1 trillion cycles per second, or 1 terahertz, which is 150 billion cycles faster than the previous record of 850 gigahertz, set in 2012.

Pivotal’s Helix Personal eVTOL Aircraft Made in Palo Alto beat Ryvid’s Anthem

Jump into a Helix and take off straight into the sky. This eVTOL puts a huge smile on your face, because you don’t need a runway, you take it to the end of the road and fly away, you feel a sense of wonder, you fly with the hawks, and you become one with the aircraft. It’s easy to learn and no pilot license is needed. You can assemble it in 30 minutes, you can fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, it stops people in their tracks, it fits into a car port, and the best part is that you can buy one today!

Phenix Technology’s First Due Firefighting Helmet Made in Riverside beat Lockheed Martin’s X-59

The First Due helmet stands out as California’s premier firefighting gear, renowned for its exceptional durability and cutting-edge design. As the top choice for firefighters across the state, it delivers superior protection through advanced materials from California suppliers. Engineered for comfort and high performance, the First Due helmet incorporates the latest technology to enhance safety in challenging environments. With its sleek design and customizable features, it’s the preferred helmet for California’s bravest, ensuring they are equipped with the best protection available while facing the toughest situations.

Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:

• Top 4 Voting Round: Sept. 9-12
• Winner Announced: Oct. 18 at CMTA’s MakingCA Conference during Manufacturing Month

Hosted by the CMTA, the “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in California’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP with its 30,000 manufacturers. The competition aims to highlight the remarkable products that have originated from the diverse and dynamic landscape of California.

For more information about the contest, please visit CoolestThingCalifornia.com.

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About CMTA

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association 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 $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.