Karnataka Launches AI‑Ready KEO Platform to Bridge Digital Divide in Schools
NEWZA Editorial Team••Source: MoneyControl
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KEO, built on open‑source RISC‑V, will roll out 2,222 units across 31 districts, with 5,000 ready for deployment, targeting schools, Arivu Kendras and rural households.
The device features a dedicated Neural Processing Unit and preloaded BUDDH AI assistant, enabling offline AI learning aligned with Karnataka’s DSERT syllabus.
Two MoUs with Shikshana Foundation, KREIS and RSA aim to expand adoption, while KEO Lite and Pro variants promise future scalability.
Karnataka's AI Initiative: KEO Platform Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar launched KEO on 21 August, an AI‑ready computing platform built on open‑source RISC‑V architecture. The compact, fanless device comes preloaded with BUDDH, a home‑grown AI learning assistant aligned with the state’s DSERT syllabus, and a dedicated Neural Processing Unit that runs AI tasks locally, reducing cloud dependence.
Deployment Strategy and Impact The first phase, backed by the Shikshana Foundation, will deploy 2,222 KEO units across 239 talukas and 31 districts. Two Arivu Kendras per taluka will receive four devices each, totaling 1,912 units, while 10 devices will go to a residential school in every district, adding 310 more. The rollout aims to bring affordable AI computing to rural schools, households and small businesses, with 23 pre‑booked customers already receiving devices and 5,000 units ready for the next batch.
Future Roadmap and Ecosystem KEONICS is developing two variants: KEO Lite, a Raspberry‑Pi‑5‑style RISC‑V device expected by October, and KEO Pro, a more powerful version for demanding AI workloads. Two MoUs with KREIS and RSA will support wider adoption, while the open‑source hardware and Linux‑based software stack invite universities, startups and enterprises to customize and expand the platform. The initiative positions Karnataka as a leader in digital inclusion, ensuring students anywhere in the state can learn coding, AI and electronics without relying on high‑speed internet.
