NeoSapien says its patented AI wearable vanished from its booth during a six‑hour security lockdown at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The company alleges that boxes were left empty after officials cleared the exhibition hall for a Prime Minister visit, raising serious concerns about event security and prototype protection.
What Went Wrong at the Summit?
Security Lockdown and Booth Evacuation
Security staff arrived around noon to “sanitize and cordon off” the venue, then instructed every exhibitor to vacate their stalls. Dhananjay Yadav, NeoSapien’s CEO, asked to keep the devices on hand, but was told security would guard the area. When the gates reopened after nearly six hours, only empty packaging remained.
Impact on NeoSapien and Its Prototype
Financial and Reputational Risks
The loss means NeoSapien has to absorb costs for flights, accommodation, logistics, and the missing hardware. Beyond the monetary hit, the incident damages the company’s credibility with investors and partners who expect robust protection for cutting‑edge tech.
Lessons for Start‑ups and Event Organisers
Protecting Physical Assets
If you’re planning to showcase a prototype, you need a clear chain‑of‑custody plan. Here are steps you can implement:
- On‑site inventory checks before and after any lockdown period.
- Sealed containers with tamper‑evident seals.
- Dedicated liaison between exhibitors and security personnel.
- Real‑time surveillance of high‑value booths.
Next Steps and Industry Outlook
NeoSapien has not disclosed the exact financial impact, and summit organisers have yet to issue an official response. The episode serves as a warning that even in highly regulated events, physical security can falter. As more hardware‑focused start‑ups eye high‑profile venues, you’ll likely see stricter protocols and more rigorous asset‑protection guidelines emerging across the Indian AI ecosystem.
