Karnataka to launch AI-ready, low-cost personal computer ‘KEO’

Karnataka government on November 17 announced KEO, a compact, affordable, AI-ready personal computer designed and developed entirely in Karnataka to bridge the state’s digital access gap.

"KEO - which stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source - is Karnataka’s answer to this challenge" Priyank Kharge, State Minister for Electronics, IT & BT.

Built on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based operating system, KEO offers a full computing experience at an accessible price point. It features 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, and an audio jack, and comes preloaded with learning, programming, and productivity tools.

KEO includes an on-device AI core, enabling artificial intelligence to run locally without internet access. It comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus to assist students even in low-connectivity regions.

The KEO device will be formally unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the inaugural ceremony of the Bengaluru Tech Summit on November 18. Following the launch, the device will be showcased to the public throughout the Summit, allowing students, startups, industry leaders, and visitors to experience it firsthand and understand its role in enabling mass-affordable, AI-ready computing across the state.

“KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It is not a luxury device; it is an inclusion device. Affordable mass computing will allow every student, every small business, and every household to participate fully in the digital economy.” said Kharge.

Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, chairman, KEONICS, said: “KEONICS is leaning into its legacy and mission of driving electronics innovation. By adopting an open-source RISC-V stack, KEO strengthens Karnataka’s commitment to accessible, locally adaptable, home-grown computing solutions.”

KEO will be deployed across schools, universities, small businesses, government offices, and homes, creating direct pathways for digital learning, skilling, and entrepreneurship. "It forms a core pillar of Karnataka’s mission to drive decentralised tech growth across all districts and ensure equal digital opportunity for every citizen" said Bache Gowda.

“KEO is Karnataka’s first AI personal computer, compact, affordable, and powered by an on-device AI engine for syllabus-aligned learning,” said Kharge. "With low PC ownership and limited school access, KEO aims to bring AI-driven computing to every home and classroom, advancing digital inclusion and economic participation" he adds.

It may be recalled that Aakash (Ubislate 7+) was a low-cost Android tablet launched in 2011 to connect Indian colleges and universities. However, DataWind delivered only 25,000 of 100,000 ordered units, leading the Union HRD Ministry to scrap the project. Similarly, Kerala had launched Coconics laptops in 2019 under a joint initiative of Keltron (Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited), KSIDC, and UST Global, but the response was lukewarm.