Bengaluru, Nov 17 (PTI) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday announced the launch of KEO, a compact, affordable, AI-ready personal computer designed and developed entirely within the state to bridge the digital access gap.
The device, which stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source, aims to make intelligent computing accessible at the grassroots and empower citizens across Karnataka, officials said.
KEO, developed by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT in collaboration with KEONICS (Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited), will be formally unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the inaugural ceremony of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, which begins on November 18.
Speaking at the pre-event curtain-raiser of BTS 2025, Priyank Kharge said, “Karnataka is launching its own affordable AI personal computer. This is the first time anywhere in the world that a state has taken such a bold and disruptive step.” “KEO embodies the spirit of Karnataka—designed, developed and assembled here by local startups and Kannadigas,” he added.
The minister said the device was built to ensure “every student, engineer, creator, innovator and household has access to powerful, intelligent computing at the grassroots, not just at the top of the pyramid.” He highlighted that fewer than 10 per cent of Indian households own a computer.
In Karnataka, the figure is just 15 per cent, well below the level required for modern education and digital livelihoods, he added.
“While smartphones are widespread, studies show that computers are essential for academic work, coding, online classes and hybrid learning,” he said, noting that over 60 per cent of Indian students reported being unable to participate in online learning due to the lack of a device, a factor contributing to higher dropout rates.
“KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It is not a luxury device but an inclusion device. Affordable mass computing will allow students, small businesses and households to participate fully in the digital economy,” Priyank said.
According to a statement, KEO runs on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based operating system, delivering a full computing experience at an accessible price point.
The device features 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), and audio support, and comes preloaded with learning, programming and productivity tools.
It also includes an on-device AI core, allowing AI applications to run locally without internet access, and comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) syllabus to assist students even in low-connectivity regions.
KEO will be showcased throughout the summit, allowing students, startups, industry leaders and visitors to experience the device firsthand and understand its potential in enabling mass-affordable AI-ready computing across the state.
Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman of KEONICS, said, “By adopting an open-source RISC-V stack, KEO strengthens Karnataka’s commitment to accessible, locally adaptable, home-grown computing solutions.” “The device will be deployed across schools, universities, small businesses, government offices and homes, creating pathways for digital learning, skilling and entrepreneurship,” he added.
Sharath further said, “KEO forms a core pillar of Karnataka’s mission to build decentralised tech growth across all districts and ensure equal digital opportunities for every citizen.” The 28th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), will run under the theme ‘Futurise’.
The device’s pricing will be announced at the summit.
The event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, investors, startups and innovators to explore emerging frontiers in deep-tech, biotech and health-tech, semiconductors, and startup innovation. PTI AMP SSK
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