Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce announced 148 nominees will compete in the 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest.
The competition showcases the state’s $73.1 billion manufacturing industry and its high-tech, high-skill, and high-pay career opportunities.
Nominees – Wisconsin-made products – will first compete in a Popular Vote Round beginning Sept. 22. The Top 16 vote earners will move on to the Manufacturing Madness portion of the competition, competing in rounds of head-to-head matchups until one winner is ultimately determined.
“For WMC, declaring a winner isn’t the actual goal,” shared WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer in a recent op-ed. “The real purpose is to showcase Wisconsin’s thriving manufacturing sector, which accounts for just under 20 percent of the state’s GDP and directly employs 480,000 Wisconsinites, or one in six workers.”
The 2025 nominees represent the breadth of Badger State manufacturing, hailing from each corner of the state and representing a wide array of industries.
“Many Wisconsinites are surprised to learn the things that are made right in their backyards,” Bauer said. “The truth is, our manufacturers are incredibly innovative with the products they create, and this contest is a fantastic way to highlight their contributions to our economy, our communities, and even our households.”
Voting throughout the contest is open to the public at www.madeinwis.com; voters are encouraged to vote once per day, per email. Ultimately, the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin will be crowned at WMC’s Business Day event in Madison on Oct. 23.
Click here to view the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin nominees. For more information about the contest, visit madeinwis.com.
