OraTek Diagnostics Establishes Headquarters in Spartanburg Through Strategic Partnership with Palmetto InnovaSphere

Next-generation diagnostic innovator advances rapid testing technologies for public health and law enforcement, and other areas of healthcare.

SPARTANBURG, SC, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Palmetto InnovaSphere announced today its strategic partnership with OraTek Diagnostics (OraTek DX), an innovative life sciences company establishing its headquarters in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The announcement marks another milestone in InnovaSphere’s mission to accelerate life science commercialization and strengthen South Carolina’s emerging innovation economy.

OraTek is developing state-of-the-art, saliva-based diagnostic technologies designed to make testing faster, more efficient, and accessible. Its platform addresses important needs in public health, law enforcement, and public safety, with potential future applications in cancer detection and other healthcare diagnostics.

Through this partnership, InnovaSphere will work directly with OraTek’s executive leadership to advance commercialization strategies, facilitate industry partnerships, identify manufacturing opportunities, and support the company’s expansion into commercial markets.

Advancing Innovation and Commercialization in Spartanburg

OraTek’s headquarters decision reinforces Spartanburg’s growing position as a destination for innovative life science companies seeking to establish operations, develop technologies, and pursue commercial opportunities.

“Spartanburg continues to demonstrate its ability to support innovative companies that contribute to economic growth and diversification,” said Katherine O’Neill, Chief Economic Development Officer of OneSpartanburg, Inc. “OraTek’s decision to establish its headquarters here represents an exciting opportunity for our community, particularly in advanced diagnostics and life sciences. Palmetto InnovaSphere’s hands-on approach to commercialization is helping connect innovative companies with the relationships, expertise, and resources they need to grow. Partnerships like this strengthen Spartanburg’s position as an emerging center for life science innovation.”

OraTek’s diagnostic technologies are being developed to support practical applications requiring efficient sample collection and reliable diagnostic information. The company’s near-term priorities include expanding applications in drug screening and detection for law enforcement and public safety, while continuing research and development toward broader healthcare opportunities.

“We are excited to establish OraTek’s headquarters in Spartanburg and work alongside Palmetto InnovaSphere as our strategic commercialization partner,” said Nate Keele, Chief Executive Officer of OraTek Diagnostics. “Our mission is to advance diagnostic technologies that make testing more efficient, accessible, and impactful. From applications in public health and law enforcement to the future potential for cancer diagnostics, we see significant opportunities for our technology. InnovaSphere brings a unique level of strategic engagement, helping us build meaningful industry relationships, explore manufacturing capabilities, and advance our commercialization objectives.”

A Hands-On Approach to Life Science Commercialization

Unlike traditional innovation support organizations, Palmetto InnovaSphere works directly alongside company leadership to navigate the complexities of translating innovative technologies into commercially viable solutions.

For OraTek, this includes commercialization planning, strategic introductions, market development, manufacturing coordination, and engagement with healthcare, public safety, and industry stakeholders.

“OraTek represents exactly the type of innovative company we are committed to supporting,” said Cecilia Zapata-Harms, Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto InnovaSphere. “What differentiates InnovaSphere is our intimate engagement with each innovator company. We don’t simply make introductions; we roll up our sleeves and work directly with leadership to execute commercialization strategies, overcome challenges, and create opportunities for long-term success.”

“South Carolina has an extraordinary opportunity to build a distinctive life sciences economy, one where innovations are not only discovered but actively advanced into meaningful commercial applications. OraTek is another example of how InnovaSphere is helping turn that vision into reality.”

The partnership reflects InnovaSphere’s commitment to building a connected statewide life sciences ecosystem, bridging promising innovations with the expertise, strategic relationships, and operational capabilities necessary to advance commercialization.

About Palmetto InnovaSphere

Palmetto InnovaSphere is a Spartanburg-based nonprofit life science commercialization institute working directly with innovators and emerging companies to advance scientific and technological discoveries toward commercial success. Through strategic partnerships, industry engagement, and hands-on commercialization support, InnovaSphere serves as a catalyst for life science innovation throughout South Carolina.

About OraTek Diagnostics

OraTek Diagnostics develops innovative saliva-based diagnostic technologies for applications in public health, drug screening, law enforcement, and public safety, with potential future applications in cancer diagnostics and other areas of healthcare.

Cecilia Zapata-Harms
Palmetto InnovaSphere, Inc.
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