Karnataka has unveiled KEO, a fully open source AI personal computer built on an indigenous RISC-V processor.
Karnataka has introduced KEO, India’s first state-backed, fully open source AI personal computer, marking a push toward hardware sovereignty and affordable AI access at scale. Launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, the compact system is developed jointly by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT and KEONICS, with a retail price of ₹18,999.
Built on an indigenous RISC-V processor fabricated by a Bengaluru semiconductor company, KEO features an on-device AI core that operates offline and a completely open-source architecture across hardware and software. State IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge described it as “India’s most affordable artificial intelligence personal computer.” He added, “It is the most compact, powerful AI device in India right now, and it is completely based on open source.” According to him, “Nowhere in the world can you build such a device for ₹18,999.”
Kharge noted that memory costs had risen due to U.S.–China supply-chain disruptions but said prices were stabilising, enabling future reductions. He also highlighted strong industry backing, stating that “Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw were impressed with the device and have already placed orders to sponsor units for schools across the state.”
KEO targets a widening digital gap: only 15% of Karnataka households own a computer, compared with less than 10% nationally, while over 60% of students struggle with online learning due to inadequate devices.
Pre-orders opened Tuesday on the KEONICS site, and KEONICS chairman Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda said Japanese women entrepreneurs who saw a demo are exploring funding opportunities.
