Onto Innovation Wins SK hynix Award for HBM Defect Prevention

Event summary

Onto Innovation received the Best Partner Award from SK hynix on September 28, 2026, for its defect prevention system in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production.
The award recognizes Onto's Dragonfly® system, which helps identify hidden defects critical to reliable HBM manufacturing.
SK hynix cited Onto's contribution to its HBM roadmap amid growing AI infrastructure demands.
TrendForce projects a greater than 50% increase in HBM demand by 2027.

The big picture

Onto Innovation's award from SK hynix underscores the critical role of defect prevention in the rapidly evolving HBM market. As AI infrastructure expands, the demand for advanced memory solutions is surging, with HBM stacks becoming thinner and more complex. Onto's Dragonfly® system addresses the growing challenge of hidden defects, positioning the company as a key player in ensuring reliable HBM manufacturing. The strategic partnership highlights the importance of process control technologies in meeting the escalating needs of the semiconductor industry.

What we're watching

Technology Leadership: Whether Onto can sustain its technological edge in HBM defect prevention as SK hynix advances its roadmap.
Market Demand: The pace at which AI-driven demand for HBM will grow, impacting Onto's business.
Execution Risk: How Onto manages the increasing complexity of HBM production to maintain its defect prevention capabilities.