Karnataka has launched an affordable, state-developed AI personal computer named KEO, aimed at students, engineers, creators, small businesses, and households. The device was announced by Karnataka IT/BT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge during the curtain-raiser event of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025.
Developed by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT in collaboration with KEONICS, KEO stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source. The compact AI-enabled computer is designed to improve digital access across Karnataka and support academic learning, coding, online classes, and hybrid education.
One of KEO’s key features is its on-device AI core, which enables AI applications to run offline without the need for internet connectivity.
A major highlight is the integration of “BUDDH”, India’s first AI agent trained entirely on Karnataka’s DSERT syllabus. The curriculum, created by the Department of State Educational Research and Training, serves as a learning guide for students and a resource for teachers and parents.
Calling the initiative a “bold and disruptive step,” Kharge said, “This is the first time anywhere in the world that a state has launched its own affordable AI personal computer.” He added that KEO reflects the spirit of Karnataka—designed, developed, and assembled locally by startups and engineers from the state.
The minister emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure that “every student, engineer, creator, innovator, and household has access to powerful, intelligent computing at the grassroots,” noting that less than 10 percent of Indian households currently own a computer.
Powered by Open-Source Technology
KEO runs on a RISC-V processor, an open-source chip architecture increasingly used in IoT devices, AI systems, and high-performance computing. It operates on a Linux-based OS and comes preloaded with learning tools, productivity applications, and programming utilities.
Connectivity options include 4G, Wi-Fi, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI output, and audio interfaces, offering flexibility for students and professionals.
Driving Digital Inclusion
The state government said the KEO project aims to strengthen digital learning, skill development, and entrepreneurship across Karnataka while promoting equitable access to technology. The device is expected to help citizens participate more effectively in the growing digital economy.
