Unique puzzles, spacecraft tech among 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado finalists

DENVER (KDVR) — Some pretty neat things have been invented in Colorado, like Jolly Ranchers , the parking boot , the first aluminum beer can , the slopper burger and arguably even the cheeseburger .

In 2024, it may seem like just about everything has been invented already, and yet Coloradans continue to make innovative creations every year. That’s why the Colorado Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition , highlighting the “vibrant and diverse manufacturing industry” across the state.

The 10 finalists for this year were announced earlier this month, and the winner will be named at a ceremony in October.

“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.”

An independent selection committee reviews each nomination and chooses the finalists. All of the finalists will be honored and the winner will be announced at the Colorado Chamber’s Annual Meeting Luncheon on Oct. 17.

Here is a quick look at the top 10 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado finalists for 2024 :

BBS Revolution by dBMEDx

The BBS Revolution is manufactured in Denver and is the “world’s first truly automatic bladder scanner,” according to the product website. The device, designed to improve infection control in healthcare, reduces the need for catheters by providing accurate bladder volume measurements.

“Equipped with a probe featuring eight transducers and a 180-degree field of view, the BBS Revolution performs scans in just three seconds,” the chamber said.

Control Moment Gyroscopes by Blue Canyon Technologies

Blue Canyon Technologies in Lafayette develops control moment gyroscopes that enhance spacecraft agility by providing precise control and minimal vibration to allow for the best observations of Earth from the space crafts.

“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,” the chamber said in a release. “These CMGs are designed for small satellites and offer significantly higher torque compared to reaction wheels with reduced power consumption.”

Freedom Trax by TOUR Engineering

Freedom Trax , invented by TOUR Engineering in Golden, is a portable, motorized off-road attachment for manual wheelchairs to help wheelchair users explore and navigate uneven terrain.

Instead of traditional wheels, the attachment uses track technology like those found in tanks, according to the chamber, making for a smooth ride over sand, snow, trails, grass, wood chips, gravel, cobblestone and ice.

Great Range Premium Bison by Rocky Mountain Natural Meats

Based in Henderson, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats’ Great Range Premium Bison products can be found in grocery stores and restaurants across the country. The chamber said the company works to sustain the American bison population while promoting its health benefits.

“Known for its focus on quality and consistency, Great Range offers a healthy and sustainable meat option, with bison contributing to land regeneration,” the release states.

Handmade Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles by Liberty Puzzles

Liberty Puzzles in Boulder created a modern twist on the classic jigsaw puzzle, combining the craftmanship of traditional puzzles with contemporary design and precision, according to the release.

The intricately designed puzzle pieces are made from quarter-inch three-ply plywood and cut with lasers to create “whimsy shapes inspired by plants, animals and geometric patterns that complement the puzzle image,” the chamber said.

Integrated Multi-Layer Insulation by Quest Thermal

Quest Thermal , based in Arvada, makes a high-performance superinsulation technology for NASA spacecraft and space instruments called Integrated Multi-Layer Insulation .

“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,” the chamber said.

Pilatus PC-24 Jet by Pilatus Business Aircraft

The PC-24 Jet is the only business jet in the world that can land on unpaved surfaces like dirt, grass and gravel, according to the release. It is manufactured by Pilatus Business Aircraft at the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport in Broomfield.

“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 chamber said.

Pretred Sustainable Barriers and Barricades by Pretred Inc.

Pretred Inc. creates an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to concrete barriers and barricades for construction, parking, erosion control, perimeter security, flood management and more.

The Aurora-based company instead makes barriers out of 95% recycled materials including over 70% waste tires, making for a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to concrete, the chamber said.

“These products are customizable, bumper-friendly and easy to move, providing superior durability and reducing maintenance costs,” the chamber said.

Solar-Powered Cold Storage by Radiant Innovation

Like a giant refrigerator or freezer on wheels, Radiant Innovation in Englewood manufactures insulated, solar-powered cold storage shipping containers that are adaptable to varying levels of solar irradiation.

“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,” the chamber said.

Sustainable Handmade Terracotta Tiles by Particular Tile

Particular Tile in Montrose uses nuisance materials, like muddy sediment from the Paonia Reservoir and methane from abandoned coal mines, to address local environmental issues and create sustainable handmade terracotta tiles.

“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,” the chamber said.

Soon, the chamber said it will launch an online voting tool for people to vote for their favorite product to win the “Peoples Choice” award.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.