When the AI India Impact Summit 2026 began, it was expected to spotlight innovation. Instead, one exhibit triggered a storm. Galgotias University found itself at the center of controversy after a viral video showed its assistant professor, Neha Singh, speaking about a robotic dog at the expo. Online users quickly alleged that the RoboDog being presented as an innovation linked to the university was actually a Chinese-made product.
What followed was a wave of criticism, official clarifications, and a public apology. Here’s a clear look at what happened and who Neha Singh is.
What Happened At The AI Summit?
Galgotias University At AI Impact Summit India 2026 Showcasing Student-Led Startups pic.twitter.com/3eGcOSiJYk
— Galgotias University (@GalgotiasGU) February 17, 2026
During the AI India Impact Summit 2026, a RoboDog displayed at the Galgotias University pavilion caught attention.
In a now-viral clip, assistant professor Neha Singh was seen speaking about the robotic model. Social media users soon claimed that the device was not developed by the university, but sourced from China.
The backlash was swift. Accusations of misrepresentation started trending.
Galgotias University later issued an official statement clarifying that the RoboDog had not been manufactured by the institution. The university described Singh as “ill-informed” and stated that she was not authorised to speak to the press.
What Did The Ministry Say?
Galgotias are more shameless than we imagined.
They paraded a Chinese robo-dog at an Indian AI summit and, when called out, claimed they never said it was theirs. Now another video shows a Galgotias faculty clearly stating it was developed by their “Centre of Excellence.”
So… pic.twitter.com/A3FLvvNt3h
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) February 18, 2026
When asked about the controversy, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), responded cautiously but firmly. He said:
“We want genuine and actual work to be reflected in the way that people exhibit in expos. The idea is not to sort of use this as an opportunity in any other fashion. So we don’t want a controversy around exhibits which are presented here. I think it’s essential that a set code is followed there. Misinformation cannot be encouraged. We don’t want a controversy around this, around exhibits in the expo. I am not getting into whether they are right or wrong, we just don’t want a controversy.”
He also addressed questions on whether such exhibits are verified beforehand.
“These are not things which are intended for sale, or where we have to standardise and certify. Certification happens if it is meant for public distribution or sale. When somebody is demonstrating a product, you presume that they know what they are talking about. If we have to certify even what has to be exhibited, then you’ll say we are stifling innovation. Our intention is not to stifle innovation.”
The ministry’s stance was clear. Innovation should be genuine. Misinformation should not be encouraged.
Galgotias University’s Apology
— Galgotias University (@GalgotiasGU) February 18, 2026
Galgotias University distanced itself from the controversy. In its statement, the institution said:
“We at Galgotias University, wish to apologise profusely for the confusion created at the recent AI Summit. One of our representatives, manning the pavilion, was ill-informed. She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and in her enthusiasm of being on camera, gave factually incorrect information even though she was not authorised to speak to the press.”
The university maintained that there was no intention to misrepresent the innovation and reiterated its commitment to “academic integrity, transparency, and responsible representation” of its work.
It also confirmed that it had vacated the pavilion.
What Did Neha Singh Say?
VIDEO | Delhi: Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University responds to reports of the university being asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo, says, “The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take accountability that perhaps I did… pic.twitter.com/z5lOIzmDz1
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2026
Neha Singh later spoke to PTI and responded to the controversy.
“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take accountability that perhaps I did not communicate it properly, as it was done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and very quickly, so I may not have come across as eloquently as I usually do. Also, the intent may not have been properly understood. One important point is regarding the robot dog—we cannot claim that we manufactured it…”
Her response focused on communication gaps rather than intent. She acknowledged that clarity may have been missing.
Who Is Neha Singh?
“Your 6 can be my 9”
– Prof. Neha Singh from GalgotiasShe can eat 100 Anjanas 200 Rubikas, 300 Chitras, 400 Navikas and 500 Shwetas alone when it comes to defending the most undefendable lies and faulty claims. pic.twitter.com/5nL9mSstMO
— Vinay Kumar Dokania (@VinayDokania) February 18, 2026
Neha Singh is an assistant professor at Galgotias University and has been associated with the institution for over two years, as per her LinkedIn profile.
Her LinkedIn ‘About’ section reads:
“I have always believed that communication is more than just a skill — it is a force that shapes identity, builds confidence, and opens doors. With a natural flair for language, articulation, and stage presence, I have spent years helping individuals unlock their voice and express themselves with clarity and impact.”
She further adds:
“What sets me apart is not just my command of language, but the ability to connect, inspire, and elevate others through it. I enjoy working with learners at various stages — guiding them to communicate with confidence, professionalism, and authenticity.”
Interestingly, her profile currently carries an “#OPENTOWORK” frame, which has triggered speculation online about her employment status. However, her experience section still lists her role at Galgotias University.
Conclusion
What began as an exhibition moment at a major AI summit quickly turned into a reputational challenge.
The controversy highlights a larger issue. In the age of viral videos, clarity matters. Words matter. Representation matters. For institutions showcasing innovation, transparency is non-negotiable. For individuals representing them, communication must be precise.
The RoboDog episode may fade from headlines soon. But the lesson it leaves behind is clear — credibility in the tech world is built on authenticity.
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