POORNIMA PARAMESWARAN
Welcome
My name is Poornima Parameswaran.
As a scientist, entrepreneur, and founder, I’ve worked to turn complex biology and data into practical tools that advance health and sustainability. As a writer, I explore the human dimensions of innovation: how we live with uncertainty, rebuild meaning after disruption, and hold on to wonder in a fast-changing world.
I was raised in India and Bahrain and now live in the United States. Moving across cultures and disciplines has shaped how I see the world and how I build within it.
I’m also a mother, daughter, wife, sister, and friend. These roles remind me that purpose is found not only in what we build but in how we connect and pay attention. My work today brings together health, technology, and storytelling, bridging systems across business and science to reimagine progress in a way that stays close to the human spirit.
Biography
Poornima Parameswaran is a scientist, entrepreneur, and business leader turning complex science and data into solutions that advance health, sustainability, and innovation.
She works at the intersection of science, technology, and strategy: building teams, aligning stakeholders around bold visions, leading through transformation, forging partnerships, and bringing innovations from concept to market.
Poornima co-founded Trace Genomics and served as in various roles including CEO, President, and Board Director from its inception to exit. Under her leadership, Trace pioneered a genomic analytics engine connecting soil biology with data-driven agriculture, food production, and climate solutions. Trace was recognized as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, one of Forbes Top 25 Most Innovative AgTech Companies, and AgFunder’s Most Innovative U.S. Startup Pre-Series A.
She earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology from Stanford University, completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley, and holds a B.S. in Molecular Biology from UT Austin. She has helped make genomics more affordable and accessible, taught Stanford’s first course on genomics applications, published widely cited research, and is an inventor on multiple microbiome patents.
Poornima serves on the Board of the International Myeloma Foundation, where she combines her insights as a scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate to advance patient-centered innovation.
My Story
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