Sept. 14, 2026
Oregon Business & Industry today released the 16 finalists in the fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest, which recognizes the breadth and ingenuity of Oregon’s manufacturing sector. This year’s finalists represent a wide variety of products manufactured throughout the state, from Ashland to Boardman.
The finalists appear on a bracket that will be used to determine the Coolest Thing Made in Oregon. The first round of voting, which will cut the list to eight products, is now open and will continue through noon on Sept. 28. Oregonians can view the bracket, learn about the Coolest Thing finalists and – most importantly – vote on the contest website here.
A panel chose this year’s finalists from scores of products nominated by Oregonians over the spring and summer. Members of the public will narrow the field of finalists during several rounds of voting. The manufacturer of the winning product will receive formal recognition and enjoy bragging rights for producing Oregon’s coolest thing. At least until next year, when Oregonians will identify a new coolest thing.
The 16 finalists and the company locations:
- Aerostar’s Zero Pressure Balloons (Tillamook)
- Crater Lake Spirits’ Hazelnut Espresso Vodka (Bend)
- Georgia Pacific’s Angel Soft Toilet Paper (Wauna)
- Icicle Tricycles’ Ice Cream Vending Bike (Portland)
- Lamb Weston’s Waffle Fries (Boardman)
- Miles Fiberglass’ Panton Chair (Clackamas)
- North River Boats’ Seahawk Fastback (Roseburg)
- Nuro’s Helmet Liner (Wilsonville)
- Overwatch Imaging’s TK Series Smart Sensors (Hood River)
- PNW Assistive Technology’s Wayfinder Ride-On Toys (Eugene)
- Reser’s Fine Foods’ Deviled Egg Potato Salad (Hillsboro)
- Tillamook’s Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Tillamook)
- Tucker Sno-Cat’s Model 1600 Over Snow Vehicle (Medford)
- Twist Bioscience’s Synthetic DNA on a Silicon Wafer (Wilsonville)
- VISCO’s Cast Iron and Steel Decorative Streetlights (Eugene)
- Work Sharp’s RMX Reverse Tanto Folding Knife (Ashland)