The search is on for the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois as the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest begins accepting nominations. The annual bracket-style tournament, hosted each spring by the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association, is now open for entries through March 8th at https://makersmadnessil.com/.
Last year’s competition saw a diverse range of innovative products reach the spotlight. The Rain Light Sensor from Hella in Flora advanced to the top 16, while the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump, manufactured by MTH Pumps in Plano, claimed the championship. Elastec in Carmi made the quarterfinals with its drone designed to clean oil and fuel spills from hard-to-reach waterways.
After nominations close, entries will be narrowed to the top 16 products, with voting set to begin on March 10th. The second round, determining the Top 8, will start on March 31st. The top four will face off beginning April 7th, and the winner will be crowned on April 15th.
Last year, more than 250 products were nominated, showcasing the creativity and manufacturing prowess found across Illinois. Organizers encourage the public to submit nominations for their favorite Illinois-made products and participate in the upcoming rounds of voting.