Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched the KEO AI Computer initiative statewide on Friday. The program aims to equip government schools with compact AI-ready computing platforms. KEO stands for Knowledge driven Economical and Open Source. The initiative's goal is to make artificial intelligence technology accessible to all students across the state.
Statewide KEO AI Computer Initiative Launched
The Karnataka government will initially deploy 1,000 KEO AI PCs in government schools. This rollout is part of a larger plan to reach every government school, particularly in rural areas. Minister Shivakumar stated this is a commitment, not a pilot program. Students will learn coding, AI, machine learning, and electronics. Teachers will gain access to AI-based interactive learning tools.
The KEO platform utilizes an open-source RISC-V processor. It also incorporates open-source hardware and software. The compact desktop device features on-device artificial intelligence. This design allows AI applications to run locally without heavy reliance on cloud connectivity. This feature is crucial for areas with inconsistent internet access.
Rollout and Partnerships
The Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology Government of Karnataka, KEONICS, semiconductor partners, and AI system integrators collaborated on KEO. At the launch event, 3,000 KEO devices were announced for rollout. The first batch of 5,000 devices is ready. Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed.
The Shikshana Foundation signed agreements with the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) and RSA. These partnerships will support KEO's adoption in schools and communities. Under the current rollout plan, 2,222 KEO computers will be deployed in Phase 1. The initiative covers all 239 talukas and 31 districts in Karnataka.
Addressing the Digital Divide
IT-BT Minister Priyanka Kharge described KEO as Karnataka's practical response to the digital divide. He emphasized that KEO is an inclusion device, not a luxury. Affordable mass computing aims to bring every student, small business, and household into the digital economy. Shivakumar noted that KEO represents KEONICS' evolution toward solutions with wider social impact.
The government plans to expand KEO deployment in the coming months. This expansion will include schools, institutions, businesses, households, and citizen-facing environments. The initiative aims to foster a distributed talent pool across Karnataka, moving opportunities beyond major urban centers.
