About Paula Schwarz
Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Visionary.
As a German-Greek social entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of technology and humanitarian aid, I founded several initiatives, including Startup Boat, Cosmopolis, and the World Datanomic Forum, to address global challenges through innovative solutions.
Paula’s Journey
In 2015 on the shores of Samos, my birthplace, I witnessed the arrival of Syrian refugees, a scene that profoundly moved me and reshaped my approach to humanitarian aid. This pivotal experience sparked a profound transformation, driving me to confront the refugee crisis with actionable solutions.
​
Motivated by what I saw, I dove into developing innovative solutions to address the immediate needs of refugees. This led to the creation of Startup Boat and other platforms focused on leveraging technology to make a real difference. We explored everything from open-source mobility solutions to logistical hubs designed to streamline the movement and coordination of resources for refugees.
​
Recognizing the potential of the digital realm to broaden our impact, I also ventured into tech projects like Startup Boat, Cosmopolis, and Allocator. These initiatives use the power of artificial intelligence and technology not just to raise funds, but also to increase awareness of the challenges refugees face and connect them with people who can help.
​
Through these experiences, I've come to question the efficacy of traditional institutions in managing humanitarian crises and have embraced more adaptive, innovative approaches. Our efforts focus on not just meeting immediate needs, but also on creating sustainable, empowering solutions for those affected.
Innovations for Impact
My experiences across various continents sharpened my focus on creating platforms that empower underprivileged communities. Startup Boat, launched amidst the refugee crisis, was the first of its kind—a floating think tank designed to transform the aid paradigm by fostering entrepreneurship among refugees. This initiative alone has helped facilitate aid to over 10 million individuals globally, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We also tested and implemented over 200 prototypes for humanitarian aid of companies such as Airbnb, Cisco, Google, and UBS.
​
In 2023, I launched Cosmopolis, a revolutionary platform designed to connect refugees with supporters worldwide, powered by a proprietary algorithm that ensures effective matchmaking. Cosmopolis not only facilitates aid but also empowers refugees to find sustainable employment opportunities, integrating them into their new communities. This digital platform was designed to connect refugee help seekers with individuals willing to assist and empower helpers to create personalized profiles showcasing their skills, experience, and what they can offer. Cosmopolis also fosters collaborations with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including women's associations and corporations to ensure that we are immersed and grounded with organizations that seek to do the same.
Giving Back to People
At the heart of my philanthropic efforts is the Schwarz Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and achieving social impact through the arts. Our commitment to integrating technology with humanitarianism led to the birth of NFTs4Refugees, a pioneering platform that leverages non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to support artists while raising funds for refugee causes.
​
The journey of NFTs4Refugees aligns closely with my mission to utilize innovative technologies for the greater good. By marrying the vibrant world of digital art with philanthropy, we create new pathways for engagement and support. The platform highlights the work of emerging and established artists and also collaborates with digital art investors to expand its reach and impact fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Let's Connect
I believe in the power of collaboration to create sustainable change. If you're passionate about making a difference or have innovative ideas, I'd love to hear from you. Let's join forces to create a better tomorrow.