Priced at Rs 18,999, KEO makes intelligent computing accessible at the grassroots empowering citizens across Karnataka
The Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with KEONICS,launched KEO, a compact, affordable, AI-ready personal computer designed and developed entirely in Karnataka to bridge the state’s digital access gap.
KEO (stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source) is Karnataka’s solution to a challenge that is slowing down learning and productivity among students, small businesses and households. Statistics show that fewer than 10 per cent of Indian households own a computer, and Karnataka stands at only 15 per cent, far below the needs of modern education and digital livelihoods. While smartphones are widespread, studies show that computers, essential for academic work, coding, online classes and hybrid learning, are still beyond the reach of majority of the population. Over 60 per cent of Indian students reported being unable to participate in online learning due to the lack of a device, directly contributing to higher dropout rates.
Built on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based OS, KEO prices at just Rs 18,999, offers a full computing experience at an accessible price point. It features 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, and audio jack support and comes fully loaded with learning, programming and productivity tools. KEO includes an on-device AI core, enabling AI 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 was formally unveiled by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka during the inaugural ceremony of the Bengaluru Tech Summit.
Following the launch, KEO is being showcased to the public throughout the Summit, allowing students, start-ups, industry leaders and visitors to experience the device firsthand and understand its role in enabling mass-affordable, AI-ready computing across the state.KEO is now open for pre-orders on www.keonext.in.
Announcing the launch, Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT, said: “KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive innovation and accessible computing. It is not a luxury device;but aninclusion device. Affordable mass computing will allow every student, every small business and every household to participate fully in the digital economy. The launch of KEO further strengthens Karnataka’s position as the nerve center of India’s semi-conductor and AI ecosystem.” he said.
Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS, said: “KEONICS is leaning into its legacy and mission of driving innovation in electronics. 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 build decentralized tech growth across all districts and ensure equal digital opportunity for every citizen.
Leave a Reply