Karnataka launches AI-ready computing platform for government schools, communities

Karnataka has launched KEO, an AI-ready desktop computing platform aimed at expanding access to advanced computing and artificial intelligence across government schools, businesses, homes and communities.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar launched the platform on Friday, with the state government planning deployments across educational institutions and other public-facing environments.

Developed through a collaboration involving the Karnataka Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, KEONICS, semiconductor partners and AI-focused system integrators, KEO stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical and Open-source.

The platform combines an open-source RISC-V processor architecture with open-source hardware and software and a dedicated accelerator for on-device AI applications.

Shivakumar said the initiative is intended to make emerging technologies more accessible to students, particularly those studying in government schools across Karnataka.

“We don’t just launch a device. We launch a dream – the dream that every child in Karnataka, from rural villages to city centres, can learn, build and shape the future of artificial intelligence,” he said.

The state government will initially deploy 1,000 KEO AI PCs in government schools and plans to eventually extend the technology to all government schools, with a focus on rural areas.

“This is not a pilot. This is a commitment. This is a promise,” Shivakumar said, emphasizing that geographical location should not determine a child’s access to technology and opportunities.

The chief minister said KEO could support learning in coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning and electronics, while also allowing teachers to use AI-enabled interactive learning tools. He said the platform could help expand technology talent beyond Bengaluru by creating opportunities across the state.

Shivakumar also urged industry partners and corporate social responsibility organizations to support the government’s plan to expand KEO deployments to government schools.

The Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology said KEO differs from conventional computing systems that depend heavily on cloud connectivity for AI functions. Its dedicated on-device AI accelerator allows applications to operate locally, making the platform suitable for locations where internet connectivity may be unreliable.

According to the department, 3,000 KEO devices will be rolled out as part of the launch, while the first batch of 5,000 devices is already ready for deployment.

The state plans to expand the rollout in the coming months, with KEO expected to reach more schools, institutions, businesses, households and citizen-facing environments.

Two MoUs were also signed during the launch. The Shikshana Foundation entered into agreements with the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) and RSA to support KEO deployment and adoption across educational and community settings.

Under the rollout supported by the Shikshana Foundation, 2,222 KEO computers will be deployed across Karnataka in the first phase. The implementation will cover all 239 talukas across the state’s 31 districts.

IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said, “KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive innovation and accessible computing. 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.”