Obatala Sciences (Obatala), a biotechnology company, today announced it selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation. The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities in biotechnology and related fields.
Based in New Orleans, Obatala develops and manufactures biomaterials, stem cells, media and advanced tissue models to support preclinical medical research. The company’s mission supports America’s ongoing efforts to increase its biomanufacturing and research capacity.
Obatala’s new operation, located at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston, will facilitate partnership development, translational research, product development and future scale-up activities tied to its human-derived biomaterials and microphysiological model technologies.
Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Obatala team should contact the company (careers@obatalasciences.com).
QUOTES
“Obatala Sciences was founded to change the way new therapies are discovered, tested and translated for patients. Expanding into Charleston County through our partnership with MUSC and Blue Sky Labs gives us access to an extraordinary innovation ecosystem and creates a meaningful bridge between our New Orleans headquarters and South Carolina’s growing life sciences community. Just as importantly, this partnership helps answer a national call to scale domestic advanced biomanufacturing capacity for high-value biotechnology products that support FDA New Approach Methodologies goals. We are excited to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to advancing human-relevant research, strengthening U.S.-based biotechnology infrastructure and creating new opportunities for scientific and economic impact across the Southeast.”
-Obatala Sciences Co-founder, President & CEO Dr. Trivia Frazier PhD, MBA
“We are proud to welcome Obatala to South Carolina. As our state continues to be a leading innovator in manufacturing and technology, we welcome the addition of 46 new jobs in Charleston County.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster -DRAFT-
“Obatala’s investment in the Palmetto State will support South Carolina’s ongoing growth in the life sciences sector. We welcome the company to the Lowcountry, and look forward to its growth in our state.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Obatala Sciences’ expansion is a welcome addition to Charleston’s growing business community. We’re proud to see these jobs coming to our city and look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.”
-City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell
“Congratulations to Obatala Sciences on expanding its presence to Charleston County. This investment adds meaningful momentum to the region’s growing life sciences sector and strengthens our progress toward a thriving environment that delivers both economic opportunity and improved health outcomes for our community.”
-Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin
“Obatala Sciences’ exciting expansion at MUSC’s Blue Sky Labs further accelerates Charleston County’s emergence as a life sciences hub, bringing new talent, innovation, and opportunity to the region. Each new investment not only brings high‑quality jobs to our community but also deepens the region’s capabilities in biotech innovation, research, and advanced manufacturing.”
-Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson
“At MUSC, innovation is about building connections that turn promising ideas into meaningful opportunities. Our partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and our regional partners allows us to leverage Blue Sky Labs as a gateway for life sciences companies looking to establish a presence in South Carolina. Obatala Sciences is an exciting early example of how this collaborative approach can strengthen Charleston’s innovation ecosystem while creating new opportunities for research, discovery and economic growth.”
-Medical University of South Carolina Chief Innovation Officer Jesse Goodwin
“Obatala Sciences’ investment is a great example of the innovation taking place within Charleston’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Their plans at Blue Sky Labs and partnership with MUSC demonstrate the value of having world-class research, clinical expertise and entrepreneurial resources working together in our region. We are proud to welcome this next phase of Obatala Sciences’ growth in Charleston County and look forward to their continued success.”
-Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Will Russell
FIVE FAST FACTS
Announcement
October 8, 2026
Obatala Sciences (Obatala), a biotechnology company, today announced it selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation. The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities in biotechnology and related fields.
Announcement
September 29, 2026
Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) is investing $2.025 million in Charleston County School District’s expansion of Universal Pre-K in North Charleston, a major partnership designed to support young children, working families, and the region’s workforce.
Announcement
September 8, 2026
Arvaya AI Automations Consulting, an SBE-certified and woman-owned AI and technology consulting firm, today announced plans to expand its operations in Charleston County. The company is supported by Charleston County Economic Development’s new Job Development Incentive, which will help it create six new jobs over the next two years. The new positions are expected to pay an average wage of approximately $92,000.
