Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Two of the final four items vying for the crown in the inaugural “Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee” competition are made in the East Tennessee region.

Starting with more than 120 possibilities, voting began in early June with the first cut coming for what might be characterized as quarterfinalists. Those 16 went through another round of voting to reduce it to eight semifinalists. On Monday, the four finalists were announced, and voting will continue until the day before the winner will be announced on July 25 at the “Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee” luncheon in Cleveland during the all-day “Smart Solutions for Smart Factories Expo.”

What are the four products?

• DENSO’s Phone as a Key (PAAK) product. Like traditional keyless entry systems, it allows for locking/unlocking of doors, remote vehicle start/stop, lift gate control and vehicle location – all through a smartphone app and a control unit in the center of the vehicle. It is made in Maryville.
• Eastman’s Tritan^TM Renew, a co-polyester made by molecular recycling technology that transforms plastic waste into durable materials with up to 50 percent recycled content, offsetting use of fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It is made at the Eastman facilities in Kingsport.
• Eclipse Glasses from American Paper Optics in Bartlett. In April, the company manufactured more than 75 million eclipse glasses for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
• The 2024 Nissan Rogue, a mid-size crossover with a bold new look, great mileage, updated tech, plus loads of room for cargo and friends, is manufactured in Smyrna.

Partners in the competition include the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association, Tennessee Manufacturers Association, and the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services.

For more information and an opportunity to cast your vote, click here.

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