Karnataka’s IT minister has announced the launch of KEO, a compact and affordable artificial intelligence (AI)-ready personal computer designed and developed entirely within the state to narrow the digital access gap. KEO, short for knowledge-driven, economical, open-source, has been built by the Department of Electronics, IT and BT in partnership with KEONICS. The minister said the goal is to ensure every student, engineer, creator, innovator, and household has access to powerful computing at the grassroots, not just at the top of the pyramid.
He noted that fewer than 10 per cent of Indian households own a computer, with Karnataka only slightly better at around 15 per cent, far below what is needed for digital education and modern livelihoods.
According to the state, KEO runs on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based operating system, offering a full computing experience at a highly accessible price point. It includes 4G, Wi-Fi, ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, audio support, and comes preloaded with learning, programming, and productivity tools.
The device also features an on-device AI core that enables applications to run locally without internet access, along with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the DSERT syllabus, to support students in low-connectivity regions.
