In a state known for its manufacturing, medical innovations and outdoor recreation, how do you determine which product is the “coolest?” You let the people decide.

After several weeks that saw thousands of votes cast, the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” manufacturing competition reached a fever pitch and, as luck would have it, the winning product is known for regulating temperatures.

Bair Hugger Warming System, a temperature management system from Solventum, was crowned the “Coolest Thing” made in the North Star State on Tuesday.

From Solventum, the Eagan-based healthcare spinoff of 3M Co., the Bair Hugger helps monitor and maintain a patient’s core body temperature from pre-operation to post-operation, with the goal of reducing the risk of complications associated with unintended hypothermia.

“Being named the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota’ out of 64 incredible finalists is a huge honor, and a meaningful one. This award belongs to the hundreds of Solventum employees in Minnesota whose ingenuity, dedication and expertise go into designing, manufacturing, testing and supporting Bair Hugger every day,” Doug Bartlett, president of Infection Prevention and Surgical Solutions at Solventum, said in a statement.

“This year’s competition gave Minnesotans a look at the incredible range of products being made right here in our state,” said Doug Loon, president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.

The winner, which was announced at the 2026 Manufacturer’s Summit, survived five rounds of public voting that eliminated products such as a remote-controlled tree trimmer, a self-counting cash drawer and an aerial firefighting system.

“Bair Hugger stood out in a field filled with impressive examples of Minnesota manufacturing, and this recognition is a great reflection of the people who make it possible,” Loon said.

An independent global health care company, Solventum launched in April 2024 and creates medical devices and offers products and services to surgical, dental and data-based healthcare practices.

Earlier this year, Solventum opened the doors to its $200 million Innovation Hub in Eagan, which was chosen due to the state’s globally recognized reputation in healthcare, according to the company.

Located at the former Blue Cross Blue Shield campus, the Eagan facility spans more than 250,000 square feet and includes hundreds of offices, labs and operational spaces.

The Bair Hugger, which is manufactured in Eden Prairie and was first developed by Arizant Inc. in the late 1980s, was picked up by 3M in 2010 with its $810 million acquisition of Arizant.

“Bair Hugger shows what happens when we combine science, technology and deep healthcare expertise to solve some of healthcare’s toughest challenges, and it’s proof that innovation made right here in Minnesota can make a meaningful impact worldwide,” Bartlett said.

The “Coolest Things” competition, which is hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO Bank, will return for its fourth year in 2027.

Bair Hugger joins Scotch Magic Tape from 3M and Polaris’ MRZR, a versatile military vehicle, as winners in the “Coolest Things” contest.