Karnataka launches KEO; state-developed AI-ready personal computer
Bengaluru (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.
The launch will take place 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, Minister for Electronics, IT/BT and Rural Development, 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.
Priyank said that 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."
"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," the minister said.
According to a statement, KEO runs on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based OS, delivering a full computing experience at an accessible price point.
It features 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI and audio support, and comes preloaded with learning, programming and productivity tools.
The device also includes an on-device AI core, enabling AI applications to run locally without internet access.
It comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus, designed 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 summit 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.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
