NEWS

• Karnataka government unveiled KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source), an AI-ready personal computer developed entirely within the state.
• Aimed at bridging the digital divide and promoting grassroots computing.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Features of KEO

AI-Enabled, Open-Source Architecture

• Built on an open-source RISC-V processor.
• Integrates BUDDH, an AI learning agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus.

Connectivity & Hardware

• Supports 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet.
• Multiple ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, audio jack.
• Designed for low-connectivity regions.

 Purpose & Vision

Bridging the Digital Divide

• Over 60% of Indian students lack access to online learning due to absence of devices.
• KEO aims to deliver affordable hardware to both rural and urban areas.

Promoting Local Innovation

• Developed by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT and Keonics.
• Built in collaboration with local startups and semiconductor firms.
• Fully designed, developed, and assembled in Karnataka.

 Educational Benefits

• BUDDH AI Agent:
  • Provides real-time answers aligned with school syllabus.
  • Currently supports English, with Kannada support coming soon.
  • Enables extended learning beyond prescribed content.

 Rollout & Availability

• Initial release: 500 devices for B2C distribution.
• Pricing to be revealed at the Bengaluru Tech Summit on November 18.
• Positioned as an affordable, scalable AI-enabled device.

Broader Policy Context

• At the Bengaluru Tech Summit, the government will also announce new IT, Startup, and Spacetech policies, signaling a push for innovation-driven growth.