In a significant move to democratize artificial intelligence technology, Karnataka has launched an innovative AI-ready personal computer named KEO, equipped with a built-in AI agent called BUDDH. The initiative aims to bring advanced computing capabilities to the grassroots level while maintaining affordability.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Priyank Kharge, the minister behind this initiative, emphasized that the primary objective is to take computing to the common people. "We want to make computing more affordable and accessible," stated the minister, highlighting the government's commitment to digital inclusion.
The launch, which occurred on November 17, 2025, represents a milestone in Karnataka's technology landscape. The timing of this announcement at 10:38 IST marked the beginning of what could revolutionize how Indians interact with computing technology.
Initial Rollout and Availability
To begin with, the government plans to make 500 devices available for Business-to-Customer (B2C) sales. This limited initial release will help gauge public response and refine the technology based on user feedback before scaling up production.
The KEO PC comes pre-loaded with the AI agent BUDDH, which is designed to assist users with various tasks, making the computing experience more intuitive and user-friendly. This integration of artificial intelligence directly into the hardware represents a significant step forward in making AI technology mainstream.
Grassroots Computing Revolution
The minister's vision focuses particularly on taking computing to underserved communities and individuals who have traditionally found technology either too expensive or too complex to adopt. By making the KEO PC AI-ready from the outset, the government aims to leapfrog traditional computing barriers.
The affordability factor remains central to this initiative, with the government working to ensure that price doesn't become a barrier to accessing cutting-edge technology. This approach aligns with India's broader Digital India mission, which seeks to transform the country into a digitally empowered society.
As Karnataka takes this pioneering step in AI-ready computing, all eyes will be on how this technology transforms the digital landscape at the grassroots level and whether it can serve as a model for other states to follow.
