Home-grown RISC-V device aims to democratize computing access for students, households, and small businesses across Karnataka
NFAPost, Bengaluru: In a landmark step toward inclusive digital empowerment, the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, in partnership with KEONICS, today unveiled KEO — a compact, affordable, AI-ready personal computer developed entirely in Karnataka. Designed to make intelligent computing accessible at the grassroots, KEO is positioned as a transformative tool for digital learning, future skills, and equitable opportunity.
A State-Led Response to India’s Deep Digital Gap
Despite India’s rapid digital progress, fewer than 10% of Indian households own a computer, while Karnataka stands at 15% — a number starkly insufficient for today’s academic and economic realities. While smartphones are ubiquitous, research consistently shows that full-fledged computers are indispensable for coding, online classes, hybrid learning, digital skilling, and professional work.
Over 60% of Indian students have previously reported an inability to join online learning due to lack of a suitable device — a gap that contributed significantly to learning loss and school dropouts during the pandemic.
KEO — Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source — is Karnataka’s solution to this challenge.
A Home-grown, RISC-V Powered Personal Computer
Built on an open-source RISC-V processor and running a Linux-based operating system, KEO delivers a complete computing environment at an extremely accessible price point.
The device features:
- On-device AI core for offline AI workloads
- Preloaded AI agent “BUDDH” trained on Karnataka DSERT syllabus
- 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- HDMI and audio jack
- Productivity, learning, and programming tools pre-installed
The offline-capable AI agent BUDDH is particularly significant — enabling students in low-connectivity or remote regions to receive syllabus-aligned guidance without internet access.
“KEO is not a luxury device — it is an inclusion device”
Announcing the initiative, Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT, emphasized the device’s purpose-driven design:
“KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It is not a luxury device, it is an inclusion device. Affordable mass computing will allow every student, every small business and every household to participate fully in the digital economy.”
Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS, highlighted the technological philosophy behind KEO:
“KEONICS is leaning into its legacy and mission of driving electronics innovation. By adopting an open-source RISC-V stack, KEO strengthens Karnataka’s commitment to accessible, locally adaptable, home-grown computing solutions.”
Showcased at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025
KEO will receive its formal public unveiling by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka during the inauguration of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025. Throughout the summit, the device will be showcased for students, industry leaders, startups, and visitors, offering a firsthand look at its capabilities and potential impact.
Driving Inclusive Digital Futures Across Karnataka
Over the coming months, KEO will be deployed across:
- Schools and universities
- Small and micro businesses
- Government offices
- Households across urban and rural districts
The initiative forms a cornerstone of Karnataka’s mission to build decentralized, district-level tech growth and ensure that the benefits of digital progress reach every citizen — regardless of location or socioeconomic background.
With KEO, Karnataka is not just introducing a device — it is creating a pathway for digital literacy, skilling, entrepreneurship, and equitable opportunity in the AI-powered future.
