Galgotias University Secures Larger Booth Than 4 IITs Combined at India AI Impact Summit, Sparks Visibility Debate

Noida, February 21: A recent controversy surrounding the allocation of exhibition space at the India AI Expo has drawn attention to the disparity between private universities and premier public institutions. Galgotias University, a private institution, was granted an exhibition booth larger than the combined space allotted to four Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), leading to a debate over the criteria used for institutional representation at government-backed events.

Space Allocation Disparity

At the India AI Expo, an event designed to showcase the country’s advancements in artificial intelligence, Galgotias University occupied a significantly larger footprint than several top-tier public technical institutions. Reports indicate that the university’s booth area exceeded the total space assigned to IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras. Who is Suneel Galgotia? Why Galgotias University Founder Is in Spotlight Over Chinese Robotic Dog Controversy.

The visual contrast between the expansive private university stall and the more modest setups of the IITs quickly became a focal point for attendees and social media commentators, raising questions about whether the event prioritized financial investment over academic and research prestige.

Organising Committee Cites ‘First-Come’ Policy

In response to the growing criticism, organizers of the expo clarified that the allocation of booth space followed a standardized commercial procedure. According to officials, the exhibition hall layout was determined on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

The organizing committee stated that Galgotias University had applied for the space early and opted for a larger sponsorship package, which included more square footage. Conversely, the IITs and other public institutions typically operate under different budgetary constraints and administrative processes, often resulting in the selection of smaller, standard-sized booths. ‘Neha Singh Is Not Suspended and Has Been Told To Stay’: Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur Denies Suspension of Professor Following Robodog Controversy at AI Summit 2026 (Watch Video).

Public and Academic Reaction

The disparity has triggered a wider discussion regarding the branding of Indian higher education. Critics argue that at a national-level AI expo, the country’s premier research institutes should be given more prominence to accurately reflect India's technological capabilities.

However, supporters of the process point out that trade expos are commercial platforms where any participating entity, regardless of its status as a public or private institution, has the right to purchase space according to its marketing budget. They argue that the size of a booth is a reflection of a university’s promotional strategy rather than its academic ranking.

Background and Context

The India AI Expo is a flagship event aimed at bringing together academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the country. While the event is often supported by government ministries, the logistics of the exhibition floor are frequently handled by third-party event management firms that utilize commercial models for stall sales.

This incident follows a string of recent news cycles involving Galgotias University, which has been active in high-profile marketing and public events. The university has defended its presence at the expo, maintaining that its goal was to showcase its own internal AI research and student projects to a national audience.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2026 03:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).