Top 8 Announced in 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Competition
April 23, 2026 | Download PDF
DES MOINES, April 23, 2026 – The competition to crown the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa continues as the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) today announced the Top 8 products advancing in the statewide contest, presented by Nicolet National Bank.
After another round of public voting, eight products remain in the bracket-style tournament. Iowans will continue to decide which products advance through head-to-head matchups.
Top 8 Matchups:
- Mi-T-M ePowerStation vs. Winnebago EKKO 23B
- Weiler D1075 Blasthole Drill vs. Butter Braid® Pastries
- Pella Steady Set™ vs. Spalding Arena Renegade Basketball Hoop
- Beer Caves (Walk-In Coolers & Freezers) vs. Ironclad Tornado Shelter & Gun Safe
Voting for the Top 8 round will be open Friday, April 24 through Wednesday, April 29. Individuals may vote in each matchup once per day (every 24 hours) per device.
Following the Top 8 round, the competition will shift from bracket-style matchups to a popular vote format. The Top 4 products will compete in a final round of public voting, where the product receiving the most votes will be named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.
The winner will be announced June 3 during ABI’s Taking Care of Business Conference, taking place in Coralville and Iowa City June 2-4.
To learn more about the competition, the Top 8 products and cast your vote, visit www.coolestthingia.com.