The 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition is kicking off this week with nominations open now through April 18. The annual event – a joint initiative between the Iowa Association of Business and MidWestOne – highlights and celebrates Iowa’s manufacturing industry, which contributes more than $43 billion to the Iowa economy every year.
“Iowa is home to nearly 222,000 individuals who are employed by thousands of Iowa manufacturers,” ABI President Nicole Crain stated in a release. “This contest highlights not only the cool products made here in our state, but also the creativity and entrepreneurship behind the people that craft them.”
Any product manufactured in Iowa qualifies for the contest. Employees, consumers, and any other interested parties are encouraged to submit their nominations at www.coolestthingia.com.
Following the nomination period, a popular vote will determine the Top 16 products, leading to head-to-head match-ups. Those that receive the highest votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, and voting is open to the public.
Important Contest Dates:
- April 7 – April 18: Nominations open
- April 28: Nominees announced
- April 29 – May 7: Popular vote to determine Top 16
- May 9 – June 3: Voting
- June 11: Winner announced
The winner will be announced at ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference, taking place June 10-12 in Council Bluffs.
Competition rules, eligibility requirements, and the nomination form are available at www.coolestthingia.com.
