Smart Privacy Glass Wins State Manufacturing Award
Wisconsin operators should track the market adoption of smart glass technologies after Cardinal IG's 13-year R&D effort prevails.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Cardinal IG's CLiC Smart Privacy Glass has been named the 2026 winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition. The product, which utilizes liquid crystal technology to toggle glass opacity, bested over 100 entries in the state-wide tournament.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the ongoing evolution of smart materials in Wisconsin's manufacturing sector and underscores the value of sustained R&D, as the winning product required 13 years of development before reaching its current market capability.
The competition involved over 100 products vetted through a public-voting, bracket-style tournament. The winning technology represents the culmination of 13+ years of research and development.
The players
Cardinal IG
A glass manufacturing firm operating a facility in Tomah that specializes in advanced glazing technologies.
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
The state's primary business trade association that oversees regional manufacturing policy and industry promotion.
BMO
A financial services institution that partners with industry groups to promote regional manufacturing and economic development.
The details
CLiC Smart Privacy Glass operates using liquid crystal technology to alter the opacity of window panes between clear and private states. The product is manufactured at a dedicated facility in Tomah, Wisconsin, and was selected as the winner following a rigorous, multi-round bracket tournament conducted by the state's manufacturing association.
Timeline
The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest took place throughout 2026.
The winner was officially announced on October 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
This development follows the established annual cycle of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. The event continues a tradition of highlighting regional manufacturing innovation through competitive benchmarking.
Operators in the building materials and interior design sectors should monitor the market adoption of smart glass as it moves from specialized projects to broader use. The win signals a growing interest in automated facility management technologies within the state.
The takeaway
Innovation-focused manufacturing often requires multi-decade commitment, with this winner reflecting over 13 years of internal product development. Business owners should review their own long-term product roadmaps to identify similar multi-year milestones that could define future market competitiveness.
Further reading
For more on the regional industrial sector, see Manufacturing.
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