The MIT Technology Review has named Montreal-based DataWind as one of 2014’s 50 Smartest Companies. The review is an annual list of the world’s most innovative technology companies.
DataWind was chosen for its breakthrough internet delivery platform, through the world’s lowest cost tablet computers with ‘free’ internet access. Delivered to the Indian government as Aakash and commercially as the UbiSlate computers, DataWind’s products “break the affordability barrier and deliver internet access across traditional mobile networks as the company executes a vision to empower the next three billion internet users.”
Since its launch in India, the UbiSlate tablet computers have positioned the company consistently among the three largest tablet suppliers in the country. The US and Canadian launch followed in 2013 at $37.99 for the UbiSlate 7Ci model.
On the 50 Smartest Companies, editor in chief Jason Pontin said “At times it seems impossible to keep pace with important emerging technologies. This issue celebrates organizations at the forefront, displaying ‘disruptive innovation’ that will prove to surpass the competition, transform an industry, and change our lives.”
“DataWind has an innovative approach: sell inexpensive hardware and make money instead on advertisements and apps,” he said. “After beginning by selling inexpensive tablets in India, the company is now selling in several other countries and could significantly expand the tablet market.”
DataWind is one of two Canadian companies to make it to MIT Technology Review’s 2014 list of 50 Smartest Companies List. The company carries out its entire R&D operations in Montreal, with offices in London, UK, Mississauga, Ontario, Dallas, Texas and Amritsar and New Delhi, India.
“We are honored and humbled to be recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the most innovative technology companies in the world,” said DataWind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli. “Such recognition provides further encouragement for us to pursue our vision of making the power of computing and internet access available to all.”
DataWind and the other honorees will be featured in the March/April edition of MIT Technology Review, published online today and available on newsstands worldwide startingMarch 4.