The device will be showcased to visitors at the ongoing Bengaluru Tech Summit, enabling students, start-ups, industry leaders and the general public to experience it first-hand.
Published Nov 18, 2025 | 6:07 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 18, 2025 | 6:07 PM
It is designed to allow students in low-connectivity regions to access digital learning resources without dependence on continuous internet access.
Synopsis: The Karnataka government has launched KEO, an affordable AI-ready personal computer developed by KEONICS, at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025. The device features an open-source RISC-V processor, a Linux-based operating system and the BUDDH AI agent trained on the State’s DSERT syllabus. Designed to widen accessibility, it is priced at ₹18,999 and intended for use even in low-connectivity regions.
Karnataka has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-ready personal computer designed by the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (KEONICS) on the inaugural day of the 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025 on Tuesday, 18 November.
First announced on Monday, the compact device, described as “designed to make technology accessible and affordable for the common man”, is named KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source).
The flagship feature of the device is BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus, which comes preloaded.
“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,” Minister for Electronics, IT/BT and Rural Development Priyank Kharge said at a pre-event curtain-raiser.
Priced at ₹18,999, the device features an open-source RISC-V processor, runs a Linux-based operating system and has 4G network connectivity. Other features include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI and an audio jack.
Kharge said that the device is 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,” he added.
It is designed to allow students in low-connectivity regions to access digital learning resources without dependence on continuous internet access.
The device will be showcased to visitors throughout the three-day Summit, enabling students, startups, industry leaders and the general public to experience it firsthand.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
