Now is your chance to vote in the race to name the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) launched the competition to showcase Iowa’s manufacturers and the products they make. The 2026 competition, presented by ABI member Nicolet National Bank, marks the third year companies can vie for the state title.
In revealing this year’s nominees on its website, ABI said the nominees come from 51 cities across Iowa and manufacture products ranging from agricultural equipment and consumer goods to food and beverage items, construction materials, and cutting-edge technology innovations.
Among the contenders are two products made in the Quad Cities region:
- SSAB Zero steel, produced by SSAB, in rural Muscatine.
- The Claw, produced by Oertel Metal Works in Davenport.
Click here to view the full list of 2026 nominees.
During the initial round, voters may select up to four products. The top 16 vote-getters will advance to a bracket-style tournament, competing head-to-head for the title. In each round, individuals may vote once per day (every 24 hours) per device. To cast your vote, visit www.coolestthingia.com. Public voting continues through Tuesday, April 15.
The 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa will be revealed live during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference, scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday, June 2–4, in Coralville and Iowa City.
Last year’s winner was a John Deere CP770 cotton picker, produced by John Deere Davenport Works in Ankeny.
According to ABI, the contest shines a light on Iowa’s largest industry — manufacturing — which contributes more than $44 billion annually to the state’s economy, accounts for roughly 16% of Iowa’s GDP, and employs more than 215,000 people.
