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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Education first: Nanded woman appears for Class 12 exam with her 10-day-old baby
Nanded (Maharashtra) (PTI): A woman carried her 10-day-old baby while appearing for her Class 12 Maharashtra board examination in Nanded city, prompting authorities to set up a special mother-friendly facility at the exam centre, officials said.
Shital Chandrakant Chitte (21) arrived at the centre on Wednesday for her Political Science exam with her newborn. Earlier, just two days after delivery, she had also appeared for the English exam on February 10, accompanied by her sister.
Appreciating her determination towards education, the People's College authorities created a dedicated 'Matrusneh Kaksha' (mother-friendly room) and arranged a cradle for the baby, allowing Chitte to write her exam while her child rested.
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Married two years ago, Chitte, a student of Shri Basweshwar College here, said she had no one at home to look after the baby as her husband leaves for work during the day.
With the Class 12 examination crucial for her future, she chose not to miss it, and her family has supported her decision to continue her education, Chitte said.
Nanded education officer Madhav Salgar appreciated the college's move to form a separate facility for the student during the exam.
"Henceforth, we, on behalf of the administration, will make arrangements at exam centres for such students to motivate them," he told PTI.
Maharashtra board's Latur divisional president Sudhakar Telang claimed this is the first such initiative in the state.
The Maharashtra board's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations began on February 10 and are being conducted smoothly at the centre, where 861 candidates are appearing.
