The Young Innovators Programme (YIP), led by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), has set a new high in promoting innovation in Kerala. The eighth edition, YIP 8.0, closed idea registrations from college and industrial students on December 10. Colleges and higher education institutes recorded 1,98,037 student registrations with 29,840 ideas. This is three times higher than past editions. When combined with school submissions, YIP 8.0 reached 4,82,738 student registrations and 48,518 ideas. This is double the participation and idea count of previous years. A notable change this year is the diversity of institutional participation. Nearly half of the ideas from colleges came from arts and science colleges instead of mainly engineering and technical schools. The involvement of ITI students also highlights inclusiveness and accessibility in the programme. About 30.5% of all registered students submitted ideas, showing strong engagement. The surge in participation reflects young minds eager to solve real problems and create social value. YIP 8.0 has become a powerful platform within Kerala’s education and innovation system, inspiring wide academic involvement and fresh ideas.