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Maryland Momentum Fund Invests in Omega 3 Nutrition to Fuel Nationwide Growth

The health food company is seeking to expand its national network of customers, serving some of the nation’s largest school districts.

Baltimore, Md. (May 21, 2025) – Omega 3 Nutrition, Inc., a Rockville-based health food company, announced today the close of an oversubscribed Series Seed round, led by Capitalize VC, an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in transformative commerce-enablement companies in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), with participation from the University System of Maryland (USM) Momentum Fund (Momentum Fund), 1863 Ventures, the Dingman Center Angels Network, 757 Angels, and several prominent angel investors. The round will support rapid national expansion of the company’s various lines of brain health snacks and cereals.

Omega 3 Nutrition offers a growing line of clean-label, brain-boosting food products designed to support cognitive health and overall wellness. The company’s flagship offerings include granola bars and cereal made with whole grains, plant-based ingredients, and enriched with naturally sourced omega-3 fatty acids. The products, which combine great taste with functional health benefits, are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of students, patients, and busy professionals, while also aligning with institutional standards for K-12 schools, universities, hospitals, and airlines.

“Capitalize VC is extremely proud to partner with Omega 3 Nutrition in this round. It’s been inspiring to watch Bright and his team build such a solid foundation for the business over the past year,” commented Tessa Flippin, Founder and Managing Partner at Capitalize VC. “We were excited to become investors in the company after understanding two key things — the capital efficient and profitable nature of the business at such an early stage, and the strong B2B business model that enables them to build sticky customer relationships that keep the Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) to Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) ratio high. We also see their in-house manufacturing as a differentiator that enables Omega 3 to control much of their production costs as they continue to grow their footprint.”

Bright Djampa founded Omega 3 Nutrition while he was a nutritional food science student at the University of Maryland, College Park. To realize his vision, he collaborated with several nutrition science professors, ultimately developing a product line of affordable, accessible, and truly delicious food items designed to naturally support brain health. Since the original product was created in 2019, the offerings have gone through several iterations to better align with the K-12 market and to deliver more brain boosting nutrients.

“Launching Omega 3 Nutrition while I was a student at the University of Maryland was one of the most transformative experiences of my life,” said Bright Djampa, Founder and CEO of Omega 3 Nutrition. “The support I received from faculty and the Pitch Dingman competition played a huge role in bringing the vision to life. Winning $20,000 through Pitch Dingman gave me the runway to take this venture full-time after graduation — to hire my first team members, refine the product, and start building out a real business. University of Maryland didn’t just give me an education — it gave me the platform to pursue something meaningful and scalable from day one.”

“I have known few founders as dedicated, positive, and resourceful as Bright,” said Lottie Byram, Assistant Director of Community Programs at the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship. “We first met when Omega 3 Nutrition consisted of little more than Bright’s first $150 in sales and dreams. Since that time, he has pursued success with relentless creativity. His way is infectious, and everyone who has met him can attest to being a little (or a lot) more fired up about solving the world’s problems. It has been a pleasure to work with him on this journey, and we’re very proud to see the founder he has become, as well as the impact he is having on our region and the next generation of young founders.”

“We’re excited to partner with Bright and his team as they take their vision for healthy snacks and cereals to the next level,” said Mike Ravenscroft, Managing Director of the Momentum Fund. “Since winning the Pitch Dingman competition in 2021, Bright has worked tirelessly to turn a dorm room dream into a thriving venture. With customers including school districts, hospitals, and even airlines nationwide, they are leading the charge to bring healthy snacks to the places where we need them the most.”

About Omega 3 Nutrition

Omega 3 Nutrition is an early-stage health food company offering a growing line of clean-label, brain-boosting food products designed to support cognitive health and overall wellness. The company’s flagship offerings include omega 3-enriched granola bars and cereal made with whole grains, plant-based ingredients, and naturally sourced omega-3 fatty acids. These products are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of students, patients, and busy professionals, while also aligning with institutional standards for K-12 schools, universities, hospitals, and airlines. By combining great taste with functional health benefits, Omega 3 Nutrition is redefining how brain food is seen and consumed. Learn more at www.eatomega3.com.

About the University System of Maryland Momentum Fund

The Maryland Momentum Fund is an initiative of the University System of Maryland (USM) to provide late seed investment funding for promising technology ventures that come out of any of the 12 constituent USM institutions, its research parks, and its students, faculty, or graduates. With a $16M commitment from the USM, the Fund co-invests alongside venture capitalists, foundations, and angel investors.

The Maryland Momentum Fund was established by the USM Board of Regents to support promising commercial opportunities arising from advances in research and intellectual property at USM campuses. The Fund is designed to create returns and support USM’s most innovative ideas as they enter the marketplace. Learn more about the Fund and view the portfolio companies at https://momentum.usmd.edu/

Press Release originally published by University System of Maryland: https://momentum.usmd.edu/news/maryland-momentum-fund-invests-omega-3-nutrition-fuel-nationwide-growth

USP announces new Advanced Technologies Laboratory to accelerate and scale pharmaceutical manufacturing innovations

Opening of the Advanced Technologies Lab in Rockville, MD – photo credit: US Pharmacopeia

Lab will help enable broader adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and state-of-the-art quality solutions

Rockville, MD – June 4, 2025 – The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) announced today the opening of its Advanced Technologies Laboratory in Rockville, Maryland. USP will use this lab, and related solutions and expertise, to develop, pilot, and scale innovations that foster more efficient and expanded production of quality medicines for stronger and more secure supply chains. 

The lab expands USP capabilities to help manufacturers overcome barriers in the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies by developing new approaches and processes for flow chemistry and additive manufacturing coupled with advanced analytical techniques such as process analytical technologies (PAT) that can enable real-time quality monitoring. The lab will also support development of alternative and novel synthetic routes to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and key starting materials. Taken together, these capabilities are essential in efforts to create stronger supply chains through strategic onshoring, distributed manufacturing, and personalized medicine. 

“Advanced manufacturing technologies make possible the responsive, distributed manufacturing and onshoring strategies that make our medicine supply chains more secure and reliable. But adoption at commercial scale can be challenging, especially for generic manufacturers,” said Ronald T. Piervincenzi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of USP. “The Advanced Technologies Lab will help launch and scale innovations that get products to patients more efficiently, while strengthening our medicine supply chains.” 

USP offers end-to-end supply chain analytics and solutions– from chemical precursors to finished pharmaceutical products. Accurate, comprehensive mapping of the medicines supply chain helps identify supply chain risks, such as over consolidation, and pinpoints opportunities for intervention. The Advanced Technologies Lab will help industry and regulators accelerate the adoption of new technologies that help to mitigate supply chain risks and, where appropriate, establish guidance that supports regulatory predictability, process efficiencies, and faster time to market, all of which can strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. 

“The Advanced Technologies Lab exemplifies USP’s commitment to advancing efficient, quality, and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing through the application of cutting-edge technologies,” said Emily Kaine, SVP of Global Health and Manufacturing Services. “USP’s unique capabilities and decades of expertise can help overcome the barriers that have limited the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. Doing so will help ensure that the medicines people rely on for health are available when and where they’re needed.” 

USP currently operates more than 70,000 square feet of laboratory space across sites in the U.S. and India. USP labs provide unparalleled expertise in developing quality and process standards, establishing and validating analytical methods, characterizing impurities, and synthesizing organic compounds. The Advanced Technologies Lab is the latest of USP’s investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. USP plans to continue expanding its advanced technology footprint into an additional 8,000 square foot laboratory in 2026.   

About US Pharmacopeia

USP is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s top experts in health and science to develop quality resources and standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. Through our resources, standards, advocacy and education, USP helps increase the availability of quality medicines, supplements and foods for billions of people worldwide.  

Learn more at https://www.usp.org

Press Release originally published by US Pharmacopeia: https://www.usp.org/news/usp-announces-new-advanced-technologies-laboratory-to-accelerate-and-scale-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-innovations

Rockville ranked 3rd Best Place to live in Maryland in U.S. News 2025-2026 report

Rockville Makes US News' "Best Places to Live in Maryland in 2025-2026" List

U.S. News & World Report has named Rockville the 3rd Best Place to Live in Maryland for 2025–2026, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a thriving, family-friendly community with access to top amenities.

Rockville stands out for its balance of suburban charm and urban convenience, with a vibrant mix of local businesses, green spaces, and cultural offerings. The report also highlights the city’s strong job market, high-quality public schools, and accessible transportation.

Key stats:

  • Median Home Value: $636,683

  • Median Monthly Rent: $1,849

  • Median Household Income: $127,516

  • Average Commute Time: 28 minutes

Maryland’s Top 5 Best Places to Live (2025–2026):

  1. Ellicott City

  2. Bethesda

  3. Rockville

  4. Columbia

  5. Towson

This recognition reflects Rockville’s commitment to being a welcoming, opportunity-rich community for residents, workers, and business owners alike.

View U.S. News full article at https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live/best-places-to-live-in-maryland

Rockville Ranks 6th among Safest Cities in Maryland for 2025

Rockville Makes Safewise's "Maryland's Safest Cities of 2025" List

Rockville continues to earn recognition as one of Maryland’s most desirable places to live, this time for its safety. According to SafeWise’s 2025 Safest Cities Report, Rockville is ranked the 6th safest city in Maryland.

SafeWise evaluates cities across the country based on the latest FBI crime statistics and population data. The rankings are determined by analyzing violent crime and property crime rates per 1,000 residents, offering a comparison of safe communities across the nation. This year, 28 Maryland cities met the criteria for evaluation.

Rockville’s inclusion on SafeWise’s list is a result of its strong public safety efforts, well-maintained neighborhoods, and community-oriented policing. While Maryland remains one of the most concerned states when it comes to gun violence, SafeWise found that overall crime rates—including violent crime and property crime—are on the decline, with Rockville leading in that positive trend.

In its 11th year of rankings, SafeWise named the top five safest cities in Maryland as Ocean Pines, Frostburg, Thurmont, Brunswick, and Hampstead—with Rockville close behind at number six.

As a thriving hub for families, businesses, and professionals, Rockville continues to balance its growth with a strong commitment to safety and quality of life.

View SafeWise’s full report at https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-maryland/ 

AstraZeneca Opens $300 Million Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility in Montgomery County

AstraZeneca facility at 9950 Medical Center Drive, Rockville – photo credit: Montgomery County Government

New Facility in Rockville Will Produce Cutting-Edge Cancer Treatments and Create More Than 150 High-Quality Jobs

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and local leaders on Monday to celebrate the opening of a new $300 million advanced manufacturing facility in Rockville. The facility will produce CAR-T cell therapies—personalized treatments that are transforming how cancer is treated around the world.

“This facility represents exactly the kind of investment we want to support,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “It will save lives, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen Montgomery County’s place as one of the nation’s top bio-life sciences hubs. We’re proud to have helped make it happen.”

The 84,000-square-foot facility, located at 9950 Medical Center Drive, is part of AstraZeneca’s $3.5 billion national investment in research and manufacturing. It will support clinical trials and future commercial production of cell therapies—treatments designed to re-engineer a patient’s own immune cells to fight disease.

“AstraZeneca’s new facility in Rockville is a testament to Montgomery County’s leadership in the life sciences industry,” said Elana Fine, MCEDC Board Chair. “This investment highlights the county’s commitment to advancing healthcare and fostering innovation, while bolstering the local economy. We look forward to continuing to support them as they settle into the new facility.” 

Montgomery County’s and State of Maryland support included:

  • $100,000 in targeted economic development incentives from Montgomery County.
  • Additional $500,000 in support from the Maryland Department of Commerce.
  • Job creation tax credits that take effect upon new employees being hired.
  • Coordination through the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) to accelerate approvals and meet an aggressive construction timeline.

“What makes this effort different is the precision and purpose behind it,” Elrich said. “The County and State made targeted investments tied to good jobs and groundbreaking science. That’s the kind of economic development we should all be proud of. Montgomery County continues to be a place where science, talent, and infrastructure come together. We’ve built a strong ecosystem—from startups to global companies—and we’re going to keep growing it.”

The facility is expected to create more than 150 skilled jobs in the region. AstraZeneca already employs more than 4,500 workers in Montgomery County across multiple sites, including its 1.3 million-square-foot Gaithersburg campus.

The County’s Department of Permitting Services worked closely with AstraZeneca and development partners to speed up permitting and inspections—enabling the project to open months ahead of schedule.

This announcement adds to a series of major bio-life sciences wins in Montgomery County, including:

County Executive Elrich will be promoting all of the County’s bio and life science success stories next month at the BIO International Convention in Boston, where he will meet with companies and organizations exploring new locations for expansion and collaboration.

To learn more about Montgomery County’s life sciences sector, visit www.thinkmoco.com.

About Astrazenica

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. 

Learn more at https://www.astrazeneca-us.com/

About Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland, and is funded by the Montgomery County Government. Created in 2015, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to accelerate business development, attraction, retention and expansion in key industry sectors while advancing equitable and inclusive economic growth.

Learn more at https://thinkmoco.com/

About Montgomery County Government

Montgomery County, Maryland, is the largest county in the state of Maryland with over 1.1 million residents. Bordering the District of Columbia, and directly across the Potomac River from Northern Virginia, Montgomery County is the home to 18 federal agencies including National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as well as the headquarters to over 700 companies. The county offers a unique ecosystem rich in talent, groundbreaking discoveries, and a vibrant community dedicated to sustainability and bold thinking. With 40% of residents speaking a language other than English and a third of the population born outside the U.S., Montgomery County embraces diversity. This inclusive environment fosters a rich tapestry of perspectives, providing an ideal location for businesses to thrive, innovate and flourish.

Learn more at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

Press Release originally published by Montgomery County Government: https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=47033

Business Spotlight: Terring Wang Group

What services does your business offer?

Terring Wang Group is a full-service real estate firm specializing in both residential and commercial real estate, real estate investment consulting, and international buyer representation. We provide tailored solutions for buyers, sellers, investors, and developers — from strategic marketing and leasing to asset acquisition, investment planning, and commercial redevelopment.

What was the inspiration behind starting the Terring Wang Group?

After nearly two decades in the real estate industry, I founded Terring Wang Group to deliver a boutique, client-first approach powered by deep market knowledge and high-level industry connections. My goal has always been to help clients make smarter, long-term real estate moves that build true generational wealth — locally and globally.

What sets your company apart in a competitive market?

Our team brings together bilingual communication (English/Chinese), sharp market instincts, and a highly connected professional network that spans commercial and residential real estate across the DMV region.

What truly sets us apart is our leadership presence in the industry:
I currently serve as the Commercial Committee Chair of AREAA DC Chapter, sit on the Board of Directors for CCIM Mid-Atlantic, and contribute to the Commercial & Global Business Committees of Maryland Realtors. These roles provide insider access, insight, and opportunities that directly benefit our clients.

We don’t just close deals — we create opportunities, and we advocate for our community’s real estate future.

Can you share a milestone project that has defined your business’ presence in its industry?

Absolutely. One of our signature achievements was helping a client win a highly competitive bid against over six offers to acquire a landmark 100,000+ square foot retail building in Fairfax, Virginia — formerly home to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

This acquisition wasn’t just a win — it was a game changer for the area’s retail landscape. The property is now positioned to revitalize the surrounding commercial corridor and spark a new era of retail and community-driven development. Our success in securing this deal was built on deep market expertise, strategic negotiation, and long-standing trust with our clients.

As a local host for The American Dream TV and a committed commercial and residential broker, I also use my platform to highlight local small businesses and support city government economic initiatives. This allows me to not only broker impactful transactions but also actively promote growth and visibility for the communities we serve.

Why did you choose to operate Terring Wang Group in Rockville?

Terring Wang Group is a leading real estate advisory firm based in Rockville, Maryland, offering expert representation in residential and commercial real estate across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Known for market expertise, community leadership, and negotiation excellence, we deliver results-driven strategies to clients ready to grow and thrive in one of the country’s most dynamic real estate markets.

About Terring Wang Group

Terring Wang Group is a leading real estate advisory firm based in Rockville, Maryland, offering expert representation in residential and commercial real estate across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Known for market expertise, community leadership, and negotiation excellence, we deliver results-driven strategies to clients ready to grow and thrive in one of the country’s most dynamic real estate markets.

Terring Wang Group
1 Church St Suite 101, Rockville MD 20850