DataWind wins UK's innovation award for $35 tablet

DataWind, the maker of low-cost tablet UbiSlate, has been presented the UK's most innovative mobile company award by the British government.

The company has won the Smart UK project award for developing and manufacturing the "UbiSlate - a 7-inch Android powered tablet that retails for just $35".

"The company is aiming to break the price barrier for computing and internet access and make digital connectivity affordable, especially in emerging markets around the world," the UK government said in a statement on Thursday.

Datawind is the maker of 'Aakash' -- touted as world's cheapest computer tablet meant for Indian students. The tablet was sold to the Indian government for Rs 2,276 when it was launched with much fanfare on October 5 last year.

The competition to spot UK's most innovative mobile company began in November 2011 in association with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), a British government department.

DataWind emerged the winner among four finalists. Others were blippar, P2i and QRpedia.

"We are honoured to be recognised; it is a great validation of our vision and I hope this will help create greater impetus for UK innovation.

"The global reach of technology is truly only possible because of the significant support we receive from UKTI offices around the world,” DataWind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli said.