Theft At India AI Summit 2026: Neo-Sapien CEO Shares Painful Experience After AI Wearables Allegedly Stolen

• Neo-Sapien CEO alleges AI wearables were stolen during Day 1 of AI Impact Summit.
• Founder claims security confusion forced exhibitors to leave belongings behind.
• Post sparks strong reactions and debate across startup community online.

A controversy has surfaced around the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after a startup founder alleged that his company's AI devices were stolen inside the venue during a security lockdown linked to VVIP movement.

The claim surfaced after Neo-Sapien CEO and co-founder Dhananjay Yadav shared a detailed post on X recounting his experience at the summit.

According to Yadav, the first day of the event did not go as planned. He wrote, "Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us."

He added that he had arrived with excitement as the summit was being hosted in India for the first time and wanted to support the growing tech ecosystem.

CEO narrates sequence of events

In his post, Yadav described how security arrangements intensified hours before a scheduled high-level visit. "At 12 noon, security personnel arrived to sanitise and cordon off the area ahead of the visit by PM Modi visit at 2pm," he wrote.

He said he requested permission to remain at his booth to showcase Neo-Sapien's AI wearable. "I explained that we're building India's first patented AI wearable at NeoSapien and requested a chance to showcase it."

However, he claimed there was confusion among security personnel. "One officer told others to let me stay, and they left. Then another group came and ordered us to leave immediately. Seemed like there was lack of co-ordination between the security itself."

For clarity, here's what he further wrote:

"I asked: 'Should we take our wearables?' They said, others are leaving even laptops behind, security will take care."

He added that he left trusting the arrangements. "Trusting them, I left. Hoping that the wearables will be safe... Gates were closed from 12-6pm. Much much longer than expected. Later we found out that our wearables were stolen."

Expressing disappointment, Yadav said, "Think about this: We paid for flights, accommodation, logistics and even the booth. Only to see our wearables disappear inside a high-security zone... This is extremely disappointing."

Social media reactions

The post quickly drew reactions from users and startup founders. One user wrote that the situation was "beyond frustrating" and urged accountability, while another suggested filing an FIR with Delhi Police over the alleged incident.

Some comments criticised the overall event experience. InterviewReady CEO Gaurav Sen posted that attending events with high-level political presence often leads to long delays due to strict protocols, adding that such participation may not be worthwhile unless one is presenting.

RPA Tech founder Alok Mani Tripathi also shared his perspective, suggesting that founders should focus on events where potential customers or investors are present rather than attending for visibility alone.

Debate over event value for startups

The incident has triggered wider discussion within the startup community about the practical value of large, high-security tech events. Several users questioned whether founders gain meaningful outcomes from attending such gatherings, especially when access and movement are restricted.

While authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations, the claims and reactions online have added an unexpected layer of controversy to the ongoing AI Impact Summit in the capital.

Guide To Navigate To The Summit?

New Delhi is hosting a major global gathering of AI leaders, researchers and policymakers this week as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 begins on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.

The event has attracted top tech names and thousands of delegates, turning central Delhi into a high-security zone.

With global figures such as Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI chief Sam Altman expected to participate, the summit highlights India's push to position itself as a key player in the global AI landscape. However, for attendees arriving in the capital, navigating tight security arrangements and traffic restrictions has become an immediate concern.

The summit coincides with peak weekday traffic in central Delhi, prompting authorities to advise participants to plan travel in advance. Officials have recommended using the Delhi Metro and public transport instead of private vehicles, as parking near the venues is extremely limited and security protocols have been tightened due to VVIP movement.

According to the official advisory, both Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan will remain open to delegates from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Entry and drop-off arrangements vary by time and location, making it important for attendees to follow designated access points.

For Bharat Mandapam visitors, drop-offs through Gate 4 are allowed only between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm, after which entry will shift exclusively to Gate 7. Metro commuters are encouraged to use the dedicated entry at Gate 10. At Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, all attendees must use Gate 2, whether arriving on foot or by vehicle.

To ease congestion, off-site parking has been arranged at Purana Qila, the National Zoo and JLN Stadium. Shuttle buses and golf carts are operating from these points to provide last-mile connectivity to the summit venues. Delegates are also advised to use internal golf cart services within Bharat Mandapam to reach specific halls and sessions.

Day 1 of the summit was focused on policy discussions, keynote speeches and research-driven sessions. The AI Expo has also opened at the Bharat Mandapam Expo Arena, while additional events are scheduled across the Convention Centre, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and Ambedkar Bhawan.

Traffic movement is expected to slow near Tilak Marg, Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg during peak hours. Authorities say metro travel will likely remain the quickest option, and delegates are encouraged to follow assigned gates and schedules to avoid delays.