IITian Bengaluru AI firm founder says he ‘couldn’t access my own booth’ at India AI Summit

After being locked out, founder-CEO Maitreya Wagh joked about opening up a mini booth at a cafe in Connaught Place. (Image credit: X)

Maitreya Wagh, founder and CEO of Bengaluru‑based conversational voice‑AI startup Bolna and an IIT Delhi alumnus, said he was unable to access his own booth at the India AI Impact Summit after venue gates were shut. In a post shared on X, Wagh wrote: “Gates are closed, so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If you’re also stuck outside and wanted to visit the Bolna team, DM me. We may set up a mini‑booth at some Connaught Place cafe.”

Shortly after Wagh’s post, Bolna’s official X account shared an image of their booth from inside the venue. The update read: “In case you’re visiting our booth at India AI Impact Summit today, another founder of ours has successfully infiltrated the barriers and is having keen conversations with visitors. Do visit @bolna_dev at Hall 6 — 6P326.”

In case you’re visiting our booth at India AI Impact Summit today, another founder of ours has successfully infiltrated the barriers and is having keen conversations with the visitors. Do visit @bolna_dev at Hall 6 - 6P326. P.S Real interactions off X! :D https://t.co/tkCGy7EEX1pic.twitter.com/0Q1o1tB79Q

— bolna (@bolna_dev) February 16, 2026

Visitors echo similar complaints

According to an official advisory issued on February 15, entry to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 would have had some restrictions on the first day of the event, and the expo being organised along with it will open for all from February 17. But several attendees seemed unaware of the restrictions.

As Wagh's post quickly gained traction online, it drew attention to logistical challenges at the summit. Several attendees responded with their own experiences, calling the event “highly mismanaged.” One user said they stepped out for lunch and were denied re‑entry for subsequent sessions, calling it “madness” and noting that visitors should have been advised not to attend on Day 1. Another described the situation as “mismanagement of an important event like this,” while a third asked Wagh whether he eventually managed to enter.

Restricted entry and access norms at AI Summit 

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 16 to 20, bringing together global policymakers, industry CEOs, researchers, and over 840 exhibitors for more than 500 sessions.

The summit, positioned as a major global AI convening, features discussions across themes such as safe and trusted AI, human capital, and inclusive digital growth. Organisers had earlier released specific access norms for different days, including restricted entry on certain sessions.