Indianapolis, Indiana – The Hoosier spirit is on full display as voting officially opened today for the fifth annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest, an online tournament designed to celebrate the state’s rich history in manufacturing and the remarkable creativity of Indiana companies. Sponsored by the Indiana Chamber, this year’s competition features 49 products from 36 cities and towns across the state, showcasing items that range from high-tech innovations to locally crafted goods and everything in between.
The competition pits Hoosier-made products against each other in a single-elimination tournament modeled on the March Madness “Hoosier Hysteria” format. Fans of Indiana manufacturing are encouraged to vote online for their favorites, with the top vote-getter in each matchup advancing to the next round.
“This event has repeatedly drawn a crowd of interest from participants, voters and observers, and we’re seeing that again this year,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. “If you haven’t already, you really should look at the matchups and list of product descriptions on the contest website and vote for your favorites. It’s truly awe-inspiring what’s being made right here in Indiana. Winning won’t be easy, but it’s the competition that makes this showcase so great and is what helps the Indiana Chamber put a bright spotlight on all these amazing companies that keep Indiana’s economy thriving.”
The contest is free to enter, and participating companies only need to have their products manufactured in Indiana, regardless of where their headquarters are located. Each company may submit just one product for consideration, and voting is open to the public. To have votes counted, participants must cast a vote for every matchup in a given round. The Indiana Chamber encourages everyone to learn more about Hoosier manufacturing and cast their votes at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing.
The first round of voting runs through December 4, with subsequent rounds scheduled to continue into mid-January. Round two takes place from December 5-10, the Sweet 16 from December 11-16, quarterfinals from January 2-7, semifinals from January 8-12, and the finals from January 13-15. Because of the large field of entrants, some companies received byes into the second round, and all matchups were determined using an online randomizer to ensure fairness. Voting begins at 9 a.m. on the first day of each round and closes at 9 p.m. on the last day, Eastern Time.
The contest has become a showcase for the ingenuity and skill of Indiana manufacturers. Past winners include Hoosier Racing Tire, which earned the title in 2023 for its racing tire, Maple Leaf Farms of Leesburg for its roast half duck in 2022, and Janus Motorcycles of Goshen, which won the inaugural competition. Nashville’s Hard Truth Whiskey Co. and Rising Sun-based Harpsicle Harps shared top honors in previous years. Winners are recognized not only for their innovation but also for their contribution to Indiana’s economic growth and reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Awards for this year’s top finishers will be presented at the Indiana Chamber’s Best in Business Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Charter Spectrum TV/Internet/Voice, on January 26 at the Indiana Convention Center. The event is expected to attract local business leaders, government officials, and media representatives eager to celebrate the creativity and resilience of Hoosier companies.
The 2025 field represents an impressive cross-section of industries and products. Among the entrants are 80/20 LLC of Columbia City, A&S Crafted Products of Spiceland, Alcoa Warrick Operations of Newburg, Aqua Blast Corp of Decatur, BraunAbility of Winamac, Carrier of Indianapolis, Challenge Plastic Products of Edinburgh, Cimtech of New Albany, Country Roads Coffee of Albion, and Déjà Vu Art and Fine Craft Show of Columbus. Other participants include DynaDome of Crown Point, E Brewing Company of South Whitley, Eco Simplicity LLC of Fort Wayne, Elkhart Brass Manufacturing of Elkhart, Faztek of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Metals of Fort Wayne, and Functional Devices of Sharpsville.
The competition also features GEN-Y Hitch of Nappanee, Goulding and Wood Pipe Organ Builders of Indianapolis, Greenfire Innovations LLC of Valparaiso, Harpsicle Harps of Rising Sun, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners (Iroquois Bio-Energy Company LLC) of Rensselaer, Hensley Fabricating & Equipment Co., Inc. of Tippecanoe, Herculean Prepared Meals of Indianapolis, Hitachi Global Air Power of Michigan City, HyFlex Corp of Knightstown, and John Force Racing of Brownsburg.
Other notable entries include Lewis Bakeries of Evansville, Liquid Springs LLC of Lafayette, Master Spas of Fort Wayne, Natare Corporation of Indianapolis, NearSpace Launch of Upland, Neoteric, Inc. of Terre Haute, Polaris Marine of Elkhart, Practical Products LLC of Lafayette, Recovery Force Health of Fishers, Respiratory Health Technologies of Indianapolis, Rolling Pin Bakehouse of Fort Wayne, Rolls-Royce of Indianapolis, Rose Mandolins of Seymour, Seymour Midwest of Warsaw, SNR Enterprises LLC dba Robinson Farms of Cromwell, Spot Seeder of Indianapolis, Standard Locknut of Westfield, Stone Horses of Shipshewana, Tot Chop of Fort Wayne, Tower Trikes, Inc. of South Bend, Unilever of Hammond, and Wireless Deer Fence of Unionville.
The diversity of products entered is a testament to the breadth of Indiana’s manufacturing base. From food and beverages to heavy machinery, consumer goods, and advanced technology, these companies illustrate the depth of innovation present in the state. Many of the participating businesses have found success not only locally but also nationally and internationally, demonstrating that Indiana-made products continue to compete on a global stage.
The online voting format allows Hoosiers from across the state—and beyond—to engage directly with the products and companies that represent the state’s manufacturing excellence. Each vote counts toward advancing a product to the next round, making public participation an integral part of the competition.
By highlighting both established companies and emerging businesses, the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest provides a platform to showcase the ingenuity and creativity that define Hoosier manufacturing. As voters explore the contest website and read through product descriptions, they can learn more about the craftsmanship, engineering, and innovation behind each entry.
With six rounds of intense matchups, the 2025 Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana promises to deliver excitement, friendly competition, and a celebration of the state’s economic and creative vitality. Whether it is a local coffee roaster, a high-tech air power manufacturer, or a uniquely crafted musical instrument, each entry tells a story about the people, communities, and industries that make Indiana a hub for innovation.
As the tournament unfolds over the coming weeks, voters are encouraged to explore the matchups, support their favorite products, and engage with the companies behind them. In the end, one product will earn the prestigious title of Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana, joining the ranks of past winners and helping shine a bright spotlight on the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity that define Indiana manufacturing.
