Voting began April 15 for the final four products in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition, presented by Withum and powered by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA). The competition, which started with 72 unique products made across the state, has now narrowed to four finalists after nearly 70,000 votes were cast over three rounds.
The contest highlights innovation and manufacturing excellence within New Jersey. The winner will be announced at the State of the State of Manufacturing event at the Statehouse on May 21. “It has been very rewarding to see not only the breadth of New Jersey creations over the past month, but also to see nearly 70,000 votes generated so far reflecting that enthusiasm for manufacturing in the state,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka and NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly. “We look forward to the remaining days of rigorous voting for these final four products and recognizing the winner at the Statehouse next month.”
Finalists include Vet-Sonotron, a non-invasive veterinary therapy device produced by ADM Tronics; an Anti-Gravity Suit from Switlik Survival Products designed to protect pilots under extreme G-forces; Thermit Welding Kit by Orgo-Thermit Inc., used for welding rail sections together; and a Superconductor made by BrukerEST that enables high magnetic fields essential for MRI scanners and particle accelerators.
For this round, voters can submit one ballot per day per device until April 20. The winning product will receive an award as well as coverage in upcoming issues of New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters magazine.
Last year’s contest saw nearly 40,000 online votes before Geared Power won with its BioGuard UVC mask. According to the official website, NJBIA serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing employers across various sectors throughout New Jersey. It advances competitive excellence among its members while delivering information services, advocacy support, partnerships with government entities and academic institutions, as well as cost-saving benefits.