New Delhi, February 16, 2026 — What should have been India's global showcase of AI ambitions on the first day of the "AI Impact Summit" instead erupted into online controversy due to an absurd security chaos and equipment theft incident. Multiple entrepreneurs and exhibitors took to X platform to blast: Prime Minister Modi's visit triggered hours-long "clearances," forcing exhibitors to leave their booths, and Bangalore startup NeoSapien's patented AI wearable device mysteriously vanished from the so-called "high security zone"! This debacle instantly turned the official slogan of "advancing AI for the welfare of all humanity" into a laughingstock in the startup community.
The central figure in the incident — NeoSapien co-founder and CEO Dhananjay Yadav — posted a lengthy rant on X: He brought India's first patented AI wearable device "Neo 1" (touted as a "second brain") to the exhibition, eager to showcase innovation. But at noon, security personnel suddenly demanded a complete clearance to "sanitize" the venue for PM Modi's afternoon visit. When Yadav asked if he needed to take his equipment, a security team reassured him:
"Others are leaving even their laptops, we're in charge of security, no problem."
He trusted them, but the clearance extended to 6 hours. Upon returning to his booth, the valuable prototype had vanished!
"We were robbed in a high security zone! We paid to exhibit and got this treatment?"Yadav's post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and tens of thousands of views. Netizens exclaimed:
"The watchman is the thief?" (Chowkidaar hi Chor Hai)
Entrepreneurs mocked further: The government loudly promotes the AI ecosystem, but at their own summit they first kick out the "builders," then let their hard work get stolen — what kind of innovation support is this?
NeoSapien wasn't the only victim. Another founder Punit Jain also posted complaints: Queuing at 7 AM, entering at 9 AM, evicted at noon, hours of exposure without water or shade, and after Modi's 5 PM visit, the first day of the summit basically "fell apart."
"Media celebrates a global event, but on-ground it's chaos! If it's only for high-profile guests, just say so, don't marginalize your own entrepreneurs!"
His post also triggered hundreds of replies, with debates pointing directly at Indian AI policy's "more slogans than action" and the persistent VIP culture.
The summit organizers and PM Modi's X accounts, meanwhile, showcased the glossy side at the same time: Modi enthusiastically interacting at booths, emphasizing "AI for the welfare of all humanity," welcoming leaders from 45 countries, Reliance Jio and other major companies displaying AI solutions, with engagement reaching tens of thousands. But the reply sections were already flooded with criticism —
"So many speeches, where's the execution?" "Who's responsible for innovators' stolen equipment?"
This summit was meant to be the pinnacle showcase of India's AI ambitions, attracting 300+ exhibitors and participants from 30+ countries, with the theme "Responsible Intelligence." Instead, the first day exposed security coordination failures, confused directives, and theft vulnerabilities, prompting the startup community to collectively voice: This isn't building an AI future, it's destroying it! There has been no official response to the theft incident yet, and NeoSapien has called for an investigation to recover the equipment.
Netizen hot takes:
"If India wants to be an AI powerhouse, first learn to protect small innovators!"
This controversy has already topped AI topics on X, and entrepreneurs' voices may push for improvements on the summit's second day — otherwise, India's AI dream might need to wake up first.
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