Did you know that 30% of jobs in SC are tied to manufacturing? That’s over 300,000 jobs statewide, with an average salary of $71,769. Now, the SC Manufacturing Alliance is letting the public decide which product takes the title of “The Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina.”

This statewide competition showcases innovative products made right here in the Palmetto State — from the Next-Gen USPS Delivery Vehicle by Oshkosh Defense in Spartanburg County to High Noon Sun Sips, manufactured by Gallo Winery in Fort Lawn. The contest has now been narrowed to the Top 8, and one of the finalists is made in the Midlands.

Meet Columbia's contender

With Columbia’s famously hot summers, a mattress designed to regulate temperature makes sense. The ClimateCool Smartbed, manufactured by Sleep Number in Irmo, uses an airflow system to pull heat away from the body, while cooling layers infused with ceramic gel help maintain a comfortable temperature. A breathable sleep surface releases excess heat, and each side of the bed can be adjusted for different firmness levels. It also tracks sleep patterns using biometric data and AI to help improve your sleep quality over time.

How to Vote

Top 8 voting: Monday, March 10 – Thursday, March 13
Final voting round: Monday, March 17 – Thursday, March 20
Winner announced: Wednesday, March 26 at the SC Statehouse