Bengaluru founder says devices stolen from AI summit have been recovered: ‘Truly grateful’

The development comes after founder and CEO Dhananjay Yadav's earlier posts about the disappearance of his startup’s patented AI wearables went viral. (Image credit: Dhananjay Yadav/X)

Bengaluru‑based AI‑startup founder Dhananjay Yadav announced that the devices his team lost at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi have been recovered. Sharing the update on X, he thanked the Delhi Police for their "super fast response" and social media users for their support.

"Just wanted to update everyone, our devices have been recovered," Yadav shared. "Huge thanks to Delhi Police for the super fast response and support. Truly grateful for all the messages, help, and encouragement we’ve received over the last two days, it means a lot to me."

The development comes after Yadav’s earlier posts about the disappearance of his startup’s patented AI wearables went viral, drawing public attention to the incident and raising concerns about security management at the high‑profile summit.

How the incident unfolded

Explaining the sequence of events, Yadav said Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned unexpectedly chaotic for his team.

He arrived excited to showcase NeoSapien’s “first patented AI wearable,” especially since the summit was being hosted in India for the first time. But at noon, security personnel began clearing and cordoning off the exhibition area ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled 2 pm visit.

According to Yadav, one security team initially permitted him to stay. Soon after, another group instructed exhibitors to leave immediately. This lack of coordination, he said, created confusion. When he asked if they should take their devices, he claims staff told him others were leaving laptops behind and that “security will take care.”

Gates were then closed from 12 pm to 6 pm—much longer than participants expected. When access was restored, the team discovered their wearables were missing.

Yadav questioned how the theft occurred in what was supposedly a high‑security zone with restricted access, especially when participants had paid for flights, accommodation and booth rentals only to be left with losses.

Strong backlash over AI Impact Summit mismanagement

Yadav’s account triggered sharp criticism online, with social media users calling the situation “shameful,” “unacceptable,” and damaging to India’s credibility as an emerging global AI hub. Many demanded transparency and accountability from organisers, saying such incidents erode trust at a time when India seeks to position itself as an international innovation centre.

Founder praises Delhi Police, says Day 2 was 'much smoother'

In follow‑up posts, Yadav softened his tone, commending Delhi Police for being “extremely proactive and supportive.” He expressed confidence that investigators would “get to the bottom of the incident.”

He also noted major improvements on Day 2 of the event: smoother entry, high footfall and stronger energy across startup booths. Addressing criticism of the small “pods” allotted to startups, he added context: a five‑day pod cost Rs 25,000, whereas similar spaces in the US or Europe would cost around $199 or more, calling the pricing “incredible accessibility for early‑stage founders.”

While acknowledging that food logistics still needed work, he praised organisers for “pulling things together overnight” to deliver a far better second day.

Social media split: Relief, skepticism, and concern

Reactions to Yadav’s recovery update were mixed. Some congratulated him but insisted he likely got results only because his post went viral. Others expressed sympathy, saying he was “handling this under pressure.”

A few demanded proof, such as FIR copies, while some suspected his follow‑up posts were “damage control.” Another user pointed out that although police may have acted swiftly, “this is how we lose trust,” especially when India aims to showcase itself as a credible global technology leader.