Karnataka CM DK Shivkumar Launches Statewide KEO AI Computer Initiative for Government Schools
CM DK Shivkumar launched KEO AI PC, a compact RISC-V computer with on-device AI for school, homes and business. 1000 units reach government schools first. Check the article to know more details.
Karnataka took a bold step towards digital inclusion on Friday. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar launched KEO, a compact AI ready computing platform built to bring artificial intelligence to homes, classrooms, businesses and communities across the country. KEO stands for Knowledge driven Economical and Open Source. The device combines an open source RISC-V process with open source hardware and software and on device combines artificial intelligence in a compact desktop form. KEO was developed through a collaboration between the department of electronics IT and biotechnology Government of Karnataka KEONICS semiconductors partners and AI focused system integrators.
A Dream for Every Child in Karnataka
Shivkumar said the launch shapes a larger vision of making technology accessible to every child in Karnataka from villages to cities. We don't just launch a device. We have launched a dream that every child in Karnataka can build and shape the future of artificial intelligence. The government will initially deploy 1,000 KEO AI PCs in government schools. The objective is to eventually take the KEO AI PC to every government school in the state, especially those in rural areas. “This is not a pilot. This is a commitment.This is a promise” he stressed students can learn coding artificial intelligence machine learning and electronics while teachers can use AI based interactive learning tools. KEO will create a distributed talent pool across Karnataka instead of letting opportunities remain concentrated in Bengaluru. Shivakumar called upon industry partners and CSR organisations to join the effort.
AI That Works Without the Cloud
Unlike conventional platforms KEO does not rely heavily on cloud connectivity for AI. A dedicated on device AI accelerator runs AI applications locally. This helps communities and institutions where internet connectivity is inconsistent. The department said 3,000 KEO devices will be rolled out as part of the launch. The first batch of 5000 devices is already ready. Two MoUs were signed at the event. The Shikshana Foundation signed agreements with the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) and with RSA. These partnerships support the development and adoption of KEO across schools and communities. Under this rollout 2,222 KEO computers will be deployed in Phase 1. The statewide implementation covers all 239 talukas and all 31 districts of Karnataka.
IT-BT Minister Priyanka Kharge said KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It is not a luxury device but an inclusion device. Affordable mass computing will let every student, every small business and every household join the digital economy. Shivakumar said KEO marks KEONICS evolution from technology projects to solutions for wider social impact. The government plans to scale up deployment in the coming months across schools, institutions, businesses, households and citizen facing environments.
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