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'Bair Hugger' wins 2026 Coolest Thing in Minnesota award
Minnesota has a long history of innovation, from the Post-It note to the pacemaker. Tuesday, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announced the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota winner for 2026. After thousands of public votes and five rounds of head-to-head competition, the "Bair Hugger" warming system made by Solventum beat out 63 others for the top spot. Doug Bartlett, President of Infection Prevention and Surgical Solutions at Solventum, joined FOX 9 News at 5 to talk about the product.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Solventum’s Bair Hugger Warming System has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest.
Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota winner
The backstory:
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO announced Solventum's Bair Hugger Warming System as the winner during the 2026 manufacturers summit on Tuesday.
The third annual contest involved 64 products, which was narrowed down through five rounds of public voting. Ultimately, the Bair Hugger Warming System came out on top for 2026.
The Bair Hugger Warming System is designed to help maintain a patient's normal body temperature throughout surgery and reduce the risk of complications associated with unintended hypothermia.
What they're saying:
"This year’s competition gave Minnesotans a look at the incredible range of products being made right here in our state. 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," said Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
The four finalist products
Dig deeper:
Bair Hugger was one of four products that advanced to the final round of the competition.
The other finalists were Vistabule's Teardrop Trailers, ATZ Manufacturing's Trackchair and Wipaire's Fire Boss aerial firefighting system.
Last year’s winner was the Polaris' MRZR, a versatile military vehicle used by U.S. and allied forces.
The Source: This story uses information from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO press release and previous FOX 9 reporting.