DATES- Entry deadline: August 14 by 11:59 p.m.
Please note the entry deadline, this date is final and there will be no extensions provided. The system will automatically prevent entry submission after the deadline.- Successful entrants will be notified on August 27, 2026.
- Awards presentation ceremony determining the winner from the Top 4 finalists: October 6 at the Minnesota Chamber's Manufacturers' Summit. Click
HERE to register.
CRITERIA CLARIFICATIONS• The product must be manufactured in Minnesota.
• The company does not have to be headquartered in Minnesota, but the product must be manufactured in a Minnesota-based facility.
• The product must be made using a manufacturing process. For example, a restaurant that makes “made to order” pizzas would not qualify but a food manufacturer that mass-produces frozen pizzas would. “Coolest Thing Made = Coolest Thing Manufactured in Minnesota”
• If a nomination does not meet the above criteria, it will not be entered into the contest.
• The winning product is no longer eligible to win another Coolest Thing Award in future years.
• The winning company cannot win back to back years and need to wait FIVE years after winning to submit a new product nomination.
• Companies can have only one product featured/nominated.
• Nominations must come directly from the manufacturing company.
• If chosen to be a finalist (Top 4), it is highly encouraged to attend the awards ceremony and purchase a company table. Preferential seating will be arranged.
• We will offer a free display table for the Top 64 to showcase their product with the purchase of one registration to the Manufacturers' Summit.
• All applicants are encouraged and welcome to attend the awards ceremony included in the Manufacturers’ Summit on October 6.
SUPPORTIf you have any questions on the entry process, please contact Clare Tsang by email at ctsang@mnchamber.com or call 651.292.4695.
