COOLEST THING MADE IN VERMONT AWARDS
Celebrating Vermont Innovation, Craftsmanship, and Community
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards spotlight the innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship that set Vermont apart. These awards honor the people and products driving our manufacturing excellence from the factory floor to the classroom.
This celebration is part of the Vermont Manufacturing Summit, the state’s premier B2B event connecting Vermont manufacturers with buyers, suppliers, and industry partners across the region and the world.
Join us as we celebrate the products, programs, and people shaping the future of manufacturing in Vermont.
Awards Dinner and Celebration
Tuesday, November 19, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Hotel Champlain, Burlington, Vermont
Join us as we celebrate Vermont’s manufacturing excellence and honor this year’s Coolest Thing finalists and winners. Tickets are $60 per person and include dinner and awards presentation.
Registration: Use the conference link and select “Awards Dinner Only” from the dropdown.
Award Categories
Coolest Thing Made in Vermont
Honoring a Vermont-made product that demonstrates innovation, quality, and impact in the marketplace.
Coolest Thing Made by a Career Technical Education or STEAM Program
Recognizing student-driven projects that embody collaboration, creativity, and community purpose.
Finalists: Coolest Thing Made in Vermont
BETA Technologies – ALIA Aircraft
Redefining the future of flight with its all-electric ALIA aircraft, capable of both conventional and vertical takeoff and landing. Designed and built in Vermont, BETA’s fully integrated approach from propulsion to charging infrastructure embodies safety, sustainability, and innovation.
Rothspeed – Splitray Supercar
Blending classic design with advanced engineering, Rothspeed’s carbon fiber Splitray reimagines a vintage Corvette into a world-class performance vehicle. Built in Milton, Vermont, it represents the artistry and precision of Vermont’s manufacturing spirit.
WheelPad L3C – SuitePAD
A 200 square foot modular bedroom and bathroom suite that attaches to an existing home in weeks, providing accessible, dignified housing for those facing mobility challenges. WheelPad blends design, compassion, and community purpose to strengthen Vermont’s rural economy.
Finalists: Coolest Thing Made by a CTE or STEAM Program
Green Mountain Robotics – “Champ”
A 140 pound competitive robot built by FRC Team #9101, showcasing the power of Vermont’s next generation of engineers and innovators.
Lyndon Institute – Bridge Barrier
A custom steel barrier designed and fabricated by welding students to protect the historic 1878 Miller’s Run Covered Bridge, showcasing applied learning and community pride.
North Country Career Center – Air Blow Off System
A student-built automated air system that reduces downtime and costs for a local manufacturer.
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center – Mobility Device for Disabled Children
A student-engineered adaptive mobility device that transforms a toy car into life-changing technology for a local child.
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center – Tiny House on Wheels
A fully functional tiny home providing affordable housing for a local resident, combining craftsmanship, sustainability, and community purpose.
Questions
Contact Karen Duguay, Senior Director of Programming, at kduguay@vtchamber.com.
To learn more or to register for this year’s Vermont Manufacturing Summit, held November 19-20 at Hotel Champlain, click here.