Galgotias University faces controversy after a robotic dog and drone shown as in-house projects were identified as commercial devices. Here’s who owns and runs the institution.
Galgotias University in Noida, Uttar Pradesh has come under controversy after a robotic dog displayed at the India AI Impact Summit was allegedly presented as an in-house innovation but was later identified as a Chinese-made device.
At the university’s stall on Tuesday, representatives introduced a robot dog named Orion, saying it had been developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence. Soon after, social media users pointed out that the machine closely resembled the Unitree Go2, a quadruped robot made by China-based Unitree Robotics and widely used in robotics training and research.
According to sources, authorities directed the university to vacate its stall at the expo following the dispute. Staff and students were later seen clearing the pavilion, and the power supply to the stall was reportedly cut.
The university faced further scrutiny the same day over a soccer drone displayed on campus. It had been described as a fully homegrown project built end-to-end by staff and students, from engineering design to application. However, online users alleged that the drone resembled the Striker V3 ARF, a commercially available model sold in India for around Rs 40,000. The device is reportedly the Helsel Striker V3 developed by South Korea-based Helsel Group for drone sports.
Amid the backlash, Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur said the confusion arose from the use of the words “develop” and “development”. Blaming Prof. Neha Singh for the episode, the university said she was “ill-informed” and not authorised to speak to the media.
Who Owns Galgotias University?
The university is part of the Galgotias Education Group, which traces its roots back to 1933. The family’s association with education began even earlier when the Galgotia family ran a bookstore named E.D. Galgotia & Sons in Connaught Place, Delhi, in 1930.
Later, Suneel Galgotia took over the family business and expanded it further. In the 1980s, he started Galgotia Publications and gradually built a presence in the education sector. The university functions under the Smt. Shakuntala Educational and Welfare Society, established in 1998 and based in New Delhi, which manages the administration and growth of the Galgotias institutions.
The Galgotias Education Group also runs Galgotias Institute of Management and Technology (GIMT), Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) and Galgotias College of Pharmacy (GCP). Over the years, it has expanded from specialised professional colleges into a full university system.
The leadership includes Suneel Galgotia, Padmini Galgotia and Dhruv Galgotia, who oversee academic planning, administration and long-term strategy. Dhruv Galgotia also works on industry collaborations and partnerships to support internships, training and placements.
About the University and Courses Offered
Galgotias University is a private multidisciplinary university located in Greater Noida and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Established in 2011, the campus is situated near the Yamuna Expressway. Currently, the group has over 40,000 students enrolled, including international students from more than 40 countries pursuing higher education.
