Ten finalists have been selected to compete in a local technology startup contest.

The Big Idea Contest is sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology Partners. This year’s annual contest is focused on startup tech companies in the Southern Alleghenies region.

One of the finalists, Justin Capouellez, wants to create a website called Boomerang Beacon. He said it will be a recruiting tool to bring professionals back to work in the Johnstown area.

“When you ask what anchors an individual to an area, well it’s family, friends and it’s also a job. Boomerang Beacon makes it easy for a highly motivated and qualified applicants to come in contact with local job recruiters,” Capouellez said.

The ten finalists include:

  • Adam Stokes with muonSoft (Blair County)
  • Anthony Biddle with Siterite (Blair County)
  • Heather Moyer with Crossroads Consulting (Cambria County)
  • Ryan Kieta with Real Design (Cambria County)
  • Justin Capouellez with Boomerang Beacon (Cambria County)
  • Hunter Swisher with Phospholutions (Centre County)
  • James Wang with SimplrTechnologies (Centre County)
  • Donald Nixon with Nixon’s Technical Service (Clearfield County)
  • Joseph DiGangi with AssureTech (Huntingdon County)
  • Mark Kasterko with MT Arms (Somerset County)

The top four winners will be announced on November 16th and receive a total of up to $50,000.