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DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce has announced the top 10 finalists for its third annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition sponsored by FirstBank.
“This year’s impressive top 10 finalists represent just how diverse and vibrant our manufacturing community is across the state,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “We’re proud to showcase products made right here in Colorado for the third year in a row and highlight how vital the manufacturing industry is to our state’s economy. The Colorado Chamber looks forward to celebrating these innovations and the positive impact they have on our community at our awards ceremony in October!”
The finalists were chosen by an independent selection committee who reviewed and assessed each nomination. They will be honored at the Colorado Chamber’s Annual Meeting Luncheon on October 17, 2024, where the Coolest Thing winner and runner-up will be announced. The Chamber will also announce special categories of winners, including a “People’s Choice” award based on an online voting tool that will launch in the coming weeks.
The Coolest Thing Made in Colorado top ten finalists are as follows:
The BBS Revolution is a fully automated bladder scanner designed to enhance infection control in health care settings. This device provides accurate and reliable bladder volume measurements, reducing the need for catheters – common sources of infections in hospitals and nursing facilities. Equipped with a probe featuring eight transducers and a 180-degree field of view, the BBS Revolution performs scans in just three seconds. The product is manufactured in Denver.
Control Moment Gyroscopes by Blue Canyon Technologies
The Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) is an attitude control unit used to maneuver space vehicles, generating gyroscopic torque through a spinning rotor and motorized gimbals. Developed by Blue Canyon Technologies in Lafayette, Colorado, these CMGs are designed for small satellites and offer significantly higher torque compared to reaction wheels with reduced power consumption. The CMG-12 and CMG-8 models provide precise control and minimal vibration, enhancing spacecraft agility and payload-pointing performance, especially for Earth observation missions.
Freedom Trax by TOUR Engineering
Freedom Trax is a motorized off-road attachment designed for manual wheelchairs. This portable and cost-effective solution is ideal for travel, exploration and navigating uneven terrain. Utilizing track technology like those found in tanks, Freedom Trax replaces traditional wheels with a versatile track system that enhances mobility over various obstacles. This innovative design enables smooth traversal over diverse ground conditions including sand, snow, trails, grass, wood chips, gravel, cobblestone and ice. TOUR Engineering is based in Golden, Colorado.
Great Range Premium Bison by Rocky Mountain Natural Meats
Great Range Premium Bison is dedicated to sustaining the American bison population and promoting its health benefits. Starting as a small operation, the brand has grown to be a trusted name in grocery stores and restaurants nationwide. Known for its focus on quality and consistency, Great Range offers a healthy and sustainable meat option, with bison contributing to land regeneration. Rocky Mountain Natural Meats is based in Henderson, Colorado.
Handmade Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles by Liberty Puzzles
Liberty Puzzles provides a modern take on classic wooden jigsaw puzzles. Made from quarter-inch three-ply plywood and using laser-cutting technology, these puzzles feature complex, intricately designed pieces, including whimsy shapes inspired by plants, animals and geometric patterns that complement the puzzle image. Produced in Boulder, Colorado, Liberty Puzzles aims to combine the craftsmanship of traditional wooden jigsaw puzzles with contemporary design and precision.
Integrated Multi-Layer Insulation (IMLI) by Quest Thermal
Integrated Multi-Layer Insulation (IMLI), developed by Arvada-based Quest Thermal for NASA, is a high-performance superinsulation technology that maintains extreme temperatures. Used in spacecraft, space instruments and upcoming lunar missions, IMLI features discrete spacer technology for both space and Earth applications. It protects critical items like rocket propellants and liquid oxygen and is also utilized in the Grace Space Telescope and NASA’s Near Earth Surveyor.
Pilatus PC-24 Jet by Pilatus Business Aircraft
The PC-24 jet is the world’s only business jet capable of landing on unpaved surfaces such as dirt, grass and gravel. This twin-engine jet not only offers the unique feature of handling unpaved runways but is also distinguished by its exclusive design, which includes a dedicated cargo door. The Pilatus PC-24 is manufactured at the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport in Broomfield, Colorado.
Pretred Sustainable Barriers and Barricades by Pretred Inc.
Made from 95% recycled materials, including over 70% waste tires, Aurora-based Pretred’s eco-friendly barriers and barricades offer a sustainable alternative to concrete with a significantly lower carbon footprint. These products are customizable, bumper-friendly and easy to move, providing superior durability and reducing maintenance costs. Suitable for applications such as construction, parking, erosion control, perimeter security, flood management and more, Pretred’s barriers are designed for versatility and environmental responsibility.
Solar-Powered Cold Storage by Radiant Innovation
The solar-powered cold storage systems feature advanced insulated shipping containers equipped with solar panels, batteries, electronics and refrigeration systems. Developed and manufactured in Englewood, Colorado, these off-grid units address critical cold storage needs. With ten units constructed so far – five deployed in California and five in Colorado – these systems serve purposes such as emergency food storage and local farming and food distribution. Available as either freezers or refrigerators, the units are adaptable to varying levels of solar irradiation.
Sustainable Handmade Terracotta Tiles by Particular Tile
Sustainable Handmade Terracotta Tiles by Particular Tile address local environmental issues by transforming nuisance materials into terracotta tiles. Using sediment from the Paonia Reservoir and capturing methane from abandoned coal mines, the tiles support climate action and sustainable manufacturing. The methane, which would otherwise contribute significant climate pollution, is utilized to power the kilns and facility, creating a green solution for producing high-quality ceramics. Particular Tile is based in Montrose, Colorado.
Learn more about the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado at www.CoolestThingColorado.com.
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The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.