California is once again putting its creativity on display with the launch of public voting in the third annual Coolest Thing Made in California contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA). This year’s record-breaking 167 nominations range from uncrewed surface vehicles built in Alameda to hypersonic jets developed in Mojave, showcasing the breadth of innovation happening across the Golden State. Nominated manufacturers span 73 California cities across 22 counties.
Voting in the contest kicks off today with the popular round, running through Thursday, September 11 at midnight. The Top 16 products with the most votes will advance to the next stage of the bracket-style competition, with weekly rounds continuing through September until a winner is chosen.
Household names like Torani and Ghirardelli are among the contenders, standing alongside breakthrough transportation tech and sustainably made apparel products.
“This year’s contest nominations are a true testament to the incredible range of what California manufacturers create,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Our state’s cutting-edge tech companies and innovative manufacturers contribute not only to our state’s $4 trillion economy, but also to the creative culture California is known for. With many pressures facing the industry today, manufacturers deserve this spotlight more than ever.”
Now in its third year, the Coolest Thing Made in California contest is the only statewide competition of its kind. Last year’s contest generated more than 246,000 public votes and reached an estimated 34 million people through social media and broadcast coverage.
How it works:
- Nominations: Closed on August 29.
- Vote: September 8-October 3
- The public votes weekly in four bracket-style rounds. Each round narrows the field until a winner is determined.
- Popular round: September 8-11
- Top 16: September 15-18
- Top 8: September 22-25
- Top 4: September 29-October 3
- The public votes weekly in four bracket-style rounds. Each round narrows the field until a winner is determined.
- Celebrate: October 22
- The winner is formally announced at the Coolest Thing Made in California Celebration on October 22, 2025, at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.
To learn more about the contest and vote for products, go to coolesthingcalifornia.com. Representatives from CMTA and companies in the contest are available for interviews. For inquiries, contact CMTA’s Communications Director, Rebecca Elliott, at relliott@cmta.net.
