Annamarie Saarinen

Annamarie Saarinen is a prominent health economist and co-founder of Bloom Standard, a medtech company focused on developing innovative ultrasound solutions for newborns. She is also the CEO of the company, which she launched in 2020 alongside her husband, Paul Saarinen. Their motivation stemmed from a personal experience when their daughter, Eve, was diagnosed with a critical congenital heart defect shortly after birth, highlighting the urgent need for improved screening technologies in pediatric care.124

Bloom Standard is working on a portable, autonomous ultrasound device designed to screen newborns for heart and lung conditions, aiming to make such technology accessible in underserved and remote areas. The company has received significant recognition, including a "Breakthrough Device Designation" from the FDA for its flagship product, the EVA RAPIDscan ultrasound system. As of early 2024, Bloom Standard has raised $2.1 million in funding and is in the process of moving through regulatory approvals to begin commercial manufacturing.124

Annamarie's background includes extensive work in public health policy and legislation, having drafted over 40 pieces of health legislation and authored numerous policy briefings focused on early detection and access to care for neonatal health conditions. She has also served on various health committees and coalitions, contributing to global health initiatives aimed at improving the outcomes for medically fragile children.234