COVID-19 Testing Manufacturer Expanding In Prince William County

MANASSAS, VA — Ceres Nanosciences, a company that manufactures products for diagnostic testing, is expanding its operations in Manassas's Innovation Park. The expansion will create 50 new jobs in the area over the next three years, and will allow the company to manufacture more materials for COVID-19 tests.

"This expansion will enable Ceres Nanosciences to vastly increase production of its patented technology to support current and future COVID-19 testing needs both in the Commonwealth and around the country,” Gov. Ralph Northam said. "The company’s decision to reinvest in Prince William County affirms its strong commitment to the Commonwealth and our world-class workforce."

Ceres Nanosciences is a private company based in Prince William County. The company uses its proprietary technology, Nanotrap, to improve diagnostic and research products, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The Nanotrap technology collects, captures, and concentrates a virus sample in order to improve testing efforts, according to Ceres Nanosciences' website. Their technology is able to concentrate viruses like COVID-19 and the H1N1 flu.

The technology was developed with the support of several agencies, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Ross Dunlap is the CEO of Ceres Nanosciences. "Ceres chose to expand in Virginia because of the Commonwealth’s commitment to support the life sciences industry and provide valuable incentives to small businesses throughout every stage of their growth cycle," he said in a news release. "Virginia has a deep well of scientific talent and resources that are critical for success in the biotech and life sciences industry."

Officials in Prince William County were thrilled to see Ceres' expansion in Prince William County. Lawmakers were proud of the growth in Innovation Park, which hosts several technology businesses in Manassas.

"Ceres Nanosciences continues to expand and bring highly skilled jobs to Innovation Park," said Ann Wheeler, chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. "We are a prime destination for inventors and innovators in the life sciences sector, and we are thrilled to see companies like Ceres Nanosciences thrive in our bioscience hub."

Sen. Jeremy McPike represents Dale City, Manassas, and Manassas Park in the Virginia State Senate.

"The expanded efforts of Ceres demonstrates its strong commitment to building critical partnerships with our public sector," he said. "I’m delighted to see these joint efforts continue as Virginians find crucial and collaborative ways to rebuild with a renewed focus on the health of every member of our community and dedication to shared success."