Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Karnataka Launches KEO AI Computers for Government Schools
Karnataka has launched a small computer called KEO.
It is designed to help students learn coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning and electronics.
KEO uses open-source technology, which means its designs and software can be more widely accessed and adapted.
It also has a special AI accelerator that lets some AI programs work on the computer itself.
This can help schools and communities where internet connections are not reliable.
The government plans to begin by placing 1,000 computers in government schools.
A separate first-phase plan backed by the Shikshana Foundation includes 2,222 computers across the state.
Officials also said 3,000 devices will be rolled out at launch and that 5,000 are already ready.
The broader goal is to give students and communities across Karnataka more equal access to advanced technology.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar launched KEO, a compact AI-ready computing platform developed through public and private-sector collaboration.
KEO combines open-source RISC-V architecture, open-source hardware and software, and a dedicated on-device AI accelerator.
The government initially plans to deploy 1,000 KEO computers in government schools, eventually targeting every such school in Karnataka.
A Shikshana Foundation-supported Phase 1 rollout will deploy 2,222 devices across all 31 districts and 239 talukas.
Officials cited multiple rollout figures, including 3,000 devices at launch and a ready first batch of 5,000.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge, KEONICS, technology partners and the Shikshana Foundation.
- What
- The launch of KEO, a compact computing platform combining open-source technology with on-device artificial intelligence.
- When
- Friday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Bengaluru, with planned deployments across Karnataka’s 31 districts and 239 talukas.
- Why
- To expand access to computing and AI, support digital learning, and reduce the technology gap between rural and urban communities.
- Platform name
- KEO stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical and Open-source.
- Core technology
- KEO uses an open-source RISC-V processor architecture, open-source hardware and software, and a dedicated on-device AI accelerator.
- Initial school deployment
- The government initially plans to deploy 1,000 KEO AI PCs in government schools.
- Phase 1 rollout
- The Shikshana Foundation-supported rollout will deploy 2,222 computers across Karnataka.
- Geographic coverage
- The statewide implementation is intended to cover all 31 districts and 239 talukas.
- Launch figures
- The department said 3,000 devices will be rolled out at launch, while the first batch of 5,000 devices is ready.
- Partnership agreements
- MoUs were signed between the Shikshana Foundation and KREIS, and between the Shikshana Foundation and RSA.
