Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar Unveils AI-Enabled Computing Device KEO

Bengaluru, India Aug 22, 2026 ALN: Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday launched KEO, a compact AI-ready desktop platform aimed at taking computing and artificial intelligence beyond cities and into classrooms, homes, and small businesses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide that has often left rural areas in Karnataka at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing modern technology.

The launch of KEO is significant in the context of India’s ongoing digital transformation, where technology is increasingly seen as a key driver of economic growth and social change. As the world moves towards a knowledge-based economy, access to computing resources and AI tools becomes vital not only for urban centers but also for rural populations that have historically been marginalized in the tech landscape.

After launching the device, Shivakumar stated that KEO will help create a distributed talent pool across Karnataka instead of allowing technology opportunities to remain concentrated in Bengaluru. “For years, talent flowed to Bengaluru. Today, with KEO, we are reversing that narrative,” he said, adding that every child in Karnataka, from rural villages to city centers, can learn, build, and shape the future of artificial intelligence. This reflects a growing recognition of the need to democratize access to technology, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the digital economy.

Shivakumar emphasized that a rural student using KEO could become a technology innovator, entrepreneur, or problem-solver of the future. “With KEO, Karnataka is demonstrating that advanced technology can be homegrown, open, inclusive, and built for India,” the CM added. This statement underscores the government's commitment to fostering a self-sustaining tech ecosystem within the state, which can potentially lead to job creation and local economic development.

KEO has been developed by the Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, KEONICS, and semiconductor partners. Built on open-source RISC-V architecture with open hardware and software stacks, it comes with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit that allows AI applications to run locally without heavy cloud dependence, making it usable in areas with patchy connectivity. This feature is particularly important for rural areas where internet access may be inconsistent, ensuring that users can leverage AI capabilities without relying solely on cloud-based solutions.

Speaking at the launch, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge mentioned that KEO stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical, and Open-source. This branding reflects the device's intended purpose: to provide an affordable and accessible computing solution that encourages learning and innovation. “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 stated. This focus on inclusion is crucial for ensuring that all segments of society can benefit from technological advancements.

The government will initially deploy 1,000 KEO AI PCs in government schools, with the stated objective of eventually taking the technology to every government school in Karnataka, particularly those in rural areas. This initiative aligns with the government's broader educational goals, which aim to enhance the quality of education and prepare students for the demands of a rapidly changing job market. The government announced that 3,000 KEO devices will be rolled out immediately, with the first batch of 5,000 already ready. Such large-scale deployment is expected to significantly impact educational outcomes and foster a culture of innovation among students.

In addition to the main KEO device, two new variants were also announced — KEO Lite, being developed as a RISC-V alternative to Raspberry Pi 5 with prototypes expected by October, and KEO Pro, a more powerful version for demanding AI workloads. These variants indicate a commitment to catering to different user needs and expanding the KEO ecosystem, which could further enhance the learning experience and provide more tailored solutions for various applications.

For large-scale deployment, Shikshana Foundation signed two MoUs with Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society and RSA. Under Phase-1, 2,222 KEO systems will be deployed across all 31 districts. This partnership highlights the collaborative efforts between government and non-governmental organizations to ensure that technology reaches the grassroots level, thereby maximizing its impact on education and local economies.

Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman of KEONICS, remarked, “KEO is not just a device; it is the beginning of a larger computing ecosystem that can grow across schools, homes, businesses, and institutions.” This vision of KEO as a catalyst for broader technological advancement reflects a strategic approach to building a sustainable digital infrastructure in Karnataka. By fostering an environment where technology is accessible and usable for all, the state aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the global economy.

In conclusion, the launch of KEO represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Karnataka. By providing affordable and accessible AI-enabled computing solutions, the government is not only empowering students and small businesses but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and innovative future. The implications of this initiative extend beyond education; they encompass economic development, job creation, and the cultivation of a tech-savvy workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the modern economy. As Karnataka continues to prioritize technology and innovation, the success of KEO could serve as a model for other states in India and beyond, demonstrating the potential of localized tech solutions to drive meaningful change.