Galgotias University faced widespread ridicule online after its participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The university was asked to leave the summit after claims surfaced that it had presented imported technology as “indigenous” student innovations.
Chinese Robot Row Goes Viral
The controversy began when Galgotias showcased a robotic dog named Orion, claiming it was developed in-house by its Centre of Excellence. Social media users quickly identified it as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available Chinese product priced at a few lakh rupees.
At the same time, the university also claimed to have created a soccer drone from scratch. Observers noted that it was actually a ready-made model, Striker V3 ARF, available in the market for around ₹40,000.
Memes Flood Social Media
The internet reacted with a wave of memes mocking the university’s claims. One viral post jokingly described a “GALGOTIA” rocket catcher. “Galgotia University’s final-year project (that actually works) to catch returning rockets. It’s called Gravity Arresting Launch Grade Orbital Trapping Indigenous Apparatus (GALGOTIA). Proud moment for humanity.”
Other memes poked fun at the university’s refusal to leave the summit:
“Govt – Galgotia, please leave AI Summit
Galgotia – No. We won’t
Govt – Cuts their electricity off
Galgotia – Staff starts moving
Media – Where are you going??
Galgotia- For lunch, we will come back.”
Comedian Vir Das and politicians also joined the discussion. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra criticized Union Cabinet Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, saying, “Deleting tweets doesn’t change reality. You have made India a laughing stock. Quit the chair if you can’t do your job. Maybe join Galgotia as Professor of Spin?”
Government Response and University Apology
Following the social media uproar, the Ministry of Electronics and IT reportedly asked Galgotias to vacate its stall and cut electricity to the pavilion after the university refused to leave.
The university later said that it had never claimed to manufacture the robot. In a statement, it 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.”
“University Stresses Learning Over Invention”
Galgotias University also said that its focus is on exposing students to global technology to inspire innovation. “Our mission at Galgotias University has always been to keep our students at the forefront of technology. The recent RoboDog is not just a machine for display; it is a moving classroom. Our students experiment with it, test its limits, and increase their knowledge. We have not claimed to make it, but we aim to create minds that will design and manufacture such technology in India.”
