Priced at ₹18,999, the Made-in-Karnataka KEO PC aims to democratise intelligent computing for students, small businesses, and households across the state.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: In a landmark step toward inclusive digital empowerment, the Government of Karnataka today launched KEO, an ultra-affordable, compact and AI-ready personal computer designed, engineered and manufactured entirely within the state. Developed in collaboration with KEONICS (Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.), KEO marks a major leap in India’s efforts to bridge the technology-access divide at scale.
Unveiled by the Hon’ble Chief Minister during the inaugural session of the Bengaluru Tech Summit, KEO has already sparked interest among educators, start-ups and grassroots digital advocates. Built on a fully open-source technology foundation, the device is positioned as a transformative tool for digital inclusion—particularly in education, small business productivity, and rural digital participation.
A Solution to India’s Persistent Device Gap
Despite India’s rapid digital growth, computer penetration remains strikingly low. Fewer than 10% of Indian householdsown a computer; Karnataka fares only slightly better at 15%, far below what is required for modern education, coding, e-learning and digital livelihoods. Smartphones, while ubiquitous, fall short for academic assignments, programming, online examinations and hybrid learning models.
This disparity has real consequences:
More than 60% of Indian students were unable to participate effectively in online learning during the pandemic due to lack of access to a computer—one of the leading contributors to widening academic inequality and dropout rates.
KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source) directly responds to this challenge by delivering a full-fledged computing ecosystem at a price point that was previously unimaginable for a personal computer.
Designed in Karnataka, Powered by Open-Source Innovation
Priced at ₹18,999, KEO is built around an open-source RISC-V processor paired with a Linux-based operating system. The device is engineered to offer the performance and flexibility required for students, micro-entrepreneurs and households, without compromising affordability.
Key Features
- RISC-V open-source processor with on-device AI capability
- Linux OS optimized for learning and productivity
- 4G SIM slot, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for flexible connectivity
- USB-A, USB-C, HDMI and 3.5mm audio support
- Preloaded tools for:
- Coding and programming
- Productivity workflows
- Academic learning and research
- Built-in AI agent “BUDDH”, trained on Karnataka’s DSERT syllabus
- Provides offline academic support for students in low-connectivity areas
This blend of hardware and on-device AI makes KEO one of India’s most future-ready, mass-market personal computers.
“Not a luxury device, but an inclusion device”
Speaking at the launch, Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT, emphasized the government’s commitment to democratizing digital access:
“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 every student, every small business and every household to participate fully in the digital economy.”
He added that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader ambition to cement Karnataka’s leadership in semiconductors, open-source technology, and AI innovation:
“The launch of KEO further strengthens Karnataka’s position as the nerve center of India’s semiconductor and AI ecosystem.”
A Boost for Local Innovation and Digital Self-Reliance
Highlighting the technological vision behind the device, Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS, underscored the importance of home-grown computing solutions:
“KEONICS is leaning into its legacy of driving electronics innovation. By adopting an open-source RISC-V stack, KEO reaffirms Karnataka’s commitment to accessible, locally adaptable and self-reliant computing technologies.”
He stated that KEO demonstrates the power of public-sector innovation in enabling new technology ecosystems across the state.
Catalyzing Digital Access Across Sectors
The government plans to deploy KEO across a wide range of community and institutional environments, including:
- Government and private schools
- Universities and technical institutes
- Small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs
- Government offices and citizen service centers
- Rural digital learning hubs
By enabling low-cost computing at scale, KEO is expected to open new pathways for digital literacy, coding proficiency, skilling programs, entrepreneurship, and e-governance participation.
The initiative also aligns with Karnataka’s larger vision to decentralize tech growth across all districts, ensuring that innovation reaches beyond Bengaluru and into semi-urban and rural communities.
Public Showcase and Pre-Orders Open
Throughout the Bengaluru Tech Summit, KEO is being showcased for live demonstrations, giving students, start-ups, and industry experts an opportunity to interact with the device, test its AI features, and understand its role in the state’s digital future.
Pre-orders are now open at www.keonext.in, with deliveries expected to commence soon.
