Karnataka Govt Launches KEO to Make Advanced Computing Accessible

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Bengaluru, 24 August (APAC Media): Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar launched KEO, a compact, AI-ready computing platform designed to expand access to advanced computing and AI across the state.

KEO stands for Knowledge-driven, Economical and Open-source. It has been developed through a collaboration among the Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, KEONICS, semiconductor partners, and AI-focused system integrators.

Speaking at the launch, Shivakumar said KEO represents an effort to democratise access to emerging technologies and ensure that government-school students, even in rural areas, get opportunities to learn and build with AI.

1,000 AI PCs to Be Deployed Initially

The Karnataka government will initially deploy 1,000 KEO AI PCs in government schools, with an aim to extend the technology to every government school in the state.

Shivakumar said KEO could help students develop skills in coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and electronics. It will also enable teachers to use AI-powered interactive learning tools. He also urged industry partners and CSR organisations to support the effort to expand KEO deployments across government schools.

The initiative is intended to create a wider technology talent pool across Karnataka, ensuring that opportunities are not concentrated only in Bengaluru but reach students and communities in rural and underserved areas.

On-Device AI Capabilities

According to the state Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, KEO differs from conventional computing platforms by incorporating a dedicated on-device AI accelerator. This allows AI applications to run locally rather than relying heavily on cloud connectivity.

The feature could make the platform particularly useful in schools and communities where internet connectivity is inconsistent.

Rollout to Cover All Districts

Under a rollout supported by the Shikshana Foundation, 2,222 KEO computers will be deployed in Phase 1 across the state. Two MoUs were also signed involving the Shikshana Foundation, Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) and RSA to support wider deployment and adoption.

The statewide implementation is planned to cover all 239 talukas and 31 districts of Karnataka, taking AI-enabled computing to schools, institutions, businesses, and households etc.