Kamya Khurana

Indian School of Business

“Architect-turned-entrepreneur redefining retail and real estate using design innovation and tech integration.”

Hometown: Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have used both the INSAS & AK47 rifles.

Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor of Architecture, School of Planning & Architecture – Delhi

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Co-founder, Nori Narrative – an architecture, branding & strategy consultancy

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Indian School of Business’ MBA programming that led you to choose this school and why was it so important to you? Given my eclectic background as a design-entrepreneur—an uncommon path for a business school student—it was essential for me to choose a school that supports my assimilation into the business landscape with learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom – ISB offered me exactly that.

What stood out to me was ISB’s inclusive community and the robust support system woven into the school’s ecosystem. There’s truly something for everyone here. With diversity and inclusivity at ISB’s core, the entire ecosystem comes together to help you achieve your goals. Whether it’s the professors, the academic and student life councils, alumni, peers, or even the support staff taking care of your everyday needs – they provide consistent support while you discover new interests.

For me, the program also stood out for its strong focus on entrepreneurship. Initiatives like the I-Sproute program by I-venture, an ISB incubation center, offered me real, hands-on experience working on my start-up with a robust support system to scale my venture.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at the Indian School of Business? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it?

My favourite extracurricular activity has been leading the Entrepreneurship Conclave ‘Spark’. This one-day event, attended by over 300 students, was a celebration of ISB’s entrepreneurial spirit. Featuring unicorn founders and venture capitalists—many of whom were ISB alumni—the conclave explored India’s growth story through its evolving startup ecosystem and the digital public infrastructure supporting it.

Leading a team of 22 enthusiasts and collaborating across programs with ISB’s executive education cohort over two months made it both the most hectic and exciting experience. The highlight of the Conclave was the ISB Bazaar—a vibrant flea market where students became entrepreneurs for a day. From homemade jams and Mexican salads to ISB memorabilia and even a secret flower delivery service, the creative energy was palpable. Seeing the campus come alive with such entrepreneurial spirit made my heart full.

But when heavy cyclonic rains poured in and wiped out our flea market setup, I learned the importance of resilience, quick thinking, and adaptability. We had to swiftly pivot, relocate the stalls, and rally the team to keep the event going. It was a real-world lesson in dealing with unforeseen challenges, maintaining morale, and ensuring continuity, no matter the circumstances.

What makes Hyderabad such as great place to earn your MBA? Hyderabad’s blend of a strong business ecosystem, focus on innovation, and warm community makes it an ideal city to pursue an MBA. The city has a rapidly-growing innovation and startup ecosystem with institutions like T-Hub, a Telangana government supported incubation hub fostering innovation. It is also a major center for tech and pharma, with global giants like Google, Microsoft and Facebook having a significant presence here.

The ISB campus, nestled in the tech-hub, adds to the charm—you wake up to the serene sounds of chirping birds and strolling peacocks. The city’s warmth and rich entrepreneurial history are also felt through interactions with Hyderabad’s legacy families, especially during AIKYA, ISB’s flagship event, where these families engage with students and even “adopt” some of us for mentorship.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment so far has been being recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for founding and leading an all-women architecture, branding, and strategy consulting practice. Running this firm has given me the opportunity to work with clients across diverse sectors, tackling a wide range of complex design and business challenges. It has been incredibly rewarding to have our work featured in prestigious platforms like Architecture Digest, and leading national publications, further validating our efforts to make an impact in the industry.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been leading the Entrepreneurship Club, where I’ve organized over 25 learning sessions in under six months. One of the most memorable events was a design thinking session that was scheduled for just one hour but ran for four, right amid the recruitment season—a testament to the group’s enthusiasm and engagement. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to explore my interest in real estate as the steering committee lead for the Real Estate Special Interest Group – giving me a chance to collaborate with industry experts and stellar professors at ISB.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Most of my time is spent within the sprawling green expanse of the campus where every corner offers something to discover. Whether it’s leisurely strolls along the ring road that ties all the student villages together, or sneaky walks through the serene faculty housing (shhh!), there is always a new nook to discover. But my all-time favourite spot is the atrium—the buzzing central courtyard overlooked by the towering four-story library. It’s the heart of the campus and my source for the latest campus gossip.

And sometimes, early mornings or post-late-night sessions end at Rameshwaram Café, a go-to breakfast haven, where everyone gathers for some much-needed comfort food before diving back into the B-school grind.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I aim to scale my start-up, focusing on integrating data and AI within the Retail design, construction, and real estate industry. I also plan to stay actively involved with the buzzing entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystem.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PGP CLASS OF 2025