Governor Gavin Newsom today celebrated the winners of the California Manufacturing & Technology Association’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest, naming Stratolaunch’s Talon-A and Phenix Technology’s First Due Fire Helmet as this year’s top products, according to the Governor’s Office.
The office said the contest showcases California’s manufacturing and innovation strength. More than 124,000 people voted over six weeks to determine the winners. Newsom said California’s advantage is “cutting-edge innovation, unmatched manufacturing strength, and products built to the highest standard.”
The office said Stratolaunch’s Talon-A, described as the nation’s only reusable, autonomous hypersonic flight‑test vehicle, won the large manufacturers bracket. Phenix Technology’s First Due Fire Helmet, described as one of the lightest helmets for firefighters, won the Small & Medium‑Sized Manufacturers bracket.
According to the announcement, the top four small and medium-sized manufacturers include Kokatat, which makes the Icon Dry Suit; Northstar Photonics, which produces the Fiber Optic Gyroscope; and Wing Inflatables, which produces the DBATS 5.2. The top four large manufacturers include Astranis, maker of the MicroGEO Communications Satellite; Intuitive Surgical, maker of the da Vinci Surgical System; and Muon Space, maker of the Condor‑M Satellite Platform.
The office tied the recognition to state economic initiatives. It said Newsom’s California Jobs First program last year approved more than $222,000 for Stratolaunch’s aerospace electrical training facility in Mojave. It also said Jobs First has supported 333 early‑stage projects, with statewide investments totaling nearly $1.6 billion in 2025 across 13 regions, supporting more than 61,000 jobs and training for more than 142,000 workers, including projected jobs and planned training.
Projects cited by the office include $6.85 million for the Mojave Air and Space Port and a new Aerospace Valley innovation hub, and $3.65 million for the Yreka Carnegie rural business innovation and entrepreneurship hub. The office said a recent $48.5 million round under the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative will support 18 projects across eight regions, with an expectation of creating 20,000 jobs while advancing regional priorities.
The office also promoted the new Made in California labeling program. It said the program is accepting applications and that eligible applicants can have all fees waived for a limited time. The announcement directed manufacturers to madeincalifornia.ca.gov for eligibility and applications.
The release highlighted broader economic figures, stating that California’s economy has grown by more than $1.58 trillion since Newsom took office and that the state accounts for nearly 14% of U.S. gross domestic product. It said the state leads the nation in 17 of 20 major economic sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and health care, and that manufacturing output was $391 billion in 2025. The office said California grew 3.5% after inflation in 2025, added 129,300 of the nation’s 496,000 net payroll jobs from September 2025 through September 2026, and saw unemployment fall by 106,500 over ten months through September, with the rate at 5.1%.
The office did not give dates for the fee‑waiver period for the Made in California program.
