KEONICS receives pre-orders for 1,500 units of its new AI-computer

The Karnataka government has received fresh pre-orders for the delivery of 1,000 units of KEO, its newly launched compact, AI-ready personal computer, and this is in addition to an existing pre-order for 500 units from some other businesses.

It is learnt that the government has been receiving several enquiries on KEO, while city business personalities like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Kris Gopalakrishan are believed to have placed an order for 1,000 units, cumulatively. KEO is priced at ₹18,999.

The KEO device form factor was revealed at Bengaluru Tech Summit where it was formally unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Following the launch, KEO is also being showcased to tech enthusiasts, students, start-ups, and the public at the summit. Pre-orders can be placed at www.keonext.in

Speaking at a media conference, Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, chairman, KEONICS, said priced affordably, the government believes that KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source) was Karnataka’s solution to a challenge that has been slowing down learning and productivity among students, small businesses, and households.

‘Inclusive innovation’

Addressing the media at the tech summit, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT, 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, small business, and household to participate fully in the digital economy.’’

KEONICS was leaning into its legacy and mission of driving innovation in electronics. By adopting an open-source RISC-V stack, KEO would strengthen the State’s commitment to accessible, locally adaptable, home-grown computing solutions, commented Mr. Gowda.

Divide persists

According to data provided by KEONICS, fewer than 10% of Indian households own a computer, and Karnataka stands at only 15%, far below the needs of modern education and digital livelihoods. While smartphones are widespread, studies show that computers, essential for academic work, coding, online classes, and hybrid learning are still beyond the reach of the majority of the population. Over 60% of Indian students reported being unable to participate in online learning owing to the lack of a device, directly contributing to higher dropout rates.

On the specs, Mr. Gowda said KEO is built on open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based OS, priced affordably, to make intelligent computing accessible at the grassroots empowering citizens across State.

It comes with 4G, Wi-Fi, ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C ports, HDMI, and audio jack support and comes fully loaded with learning, programming and productivity tools. It also features an on-device AI core, enabling AI to run locally without internet access. It comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus to assist students even in low-connectivity regions, he said.