Why Galgotias University AI Summit Row Is Reminding Many of ‘Drone Prathap’ from Karnataka

A controversy at Galgotias University during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 has sparked comparisons in Karnataka with an earlier episode involving NM Prathap, known as Drone Prathap. The row began on February 18 after a robotic dog was presented at the summit and described as developed at the university's Centre of Excellence. Within hours, questions surfaced online about the origin of the device. The issue has since led to public criticism and reports that the university was asked to exit the summit. The similarities in how technological claims were received and later questioned have prompted many to revisit the Drone Prathap episode.

What Triggered the Galgotias Controversy

During a demonstration at the summit, a robotic dog named Orion was introduced as a product developed at the university. A video of the presentation circulated widely. Soon after, users pointed out that the machine resembled products made by Unitree, a Chinese firm that manufactures commercially available quadruped robots.

Unitree's robotic dogs are known for being relatively affordable compared to products such as Spot by Boston Dynamics. Following the backlash, the university issued a clarification stating that the device had been acquired as part of its technology investments and was not claimed as an in house invention.

Why Drone Prathap's Name Has Resurfaced

The situation has reminded many in Karnataka of NM Prathap, who gained prominence several years ago by claiming that he had built more than 600 drones at a young age. He described himself as a college dropout innovator and said he had received recognition from national and international platforms. He also claimed at one stage that he had been inducted into the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

As media scrutiny increased, several of his assertions were questioned. Observers noted that while photographs showed him alongside drones, there was no clear public evidence of drones built by him. The claims were widely debated across the state. Prathap later appeared on Bigg Boss Kannada, which brought renewed attention to the controversy.

Following the Galgotias incident, social media platforms saw users from Karnataka drawing direct comparisons with the Drone Prathap episode. Posts questioned how technological demonstrations are presented at public events and whether adequate verification takes place before claims are highlighted.