Meet the Start-ups

Toon Stilma | CEO & Co-Founder | XS Innovations

Toon Stilma is the co-founder and CEO of XS Innovations, a medtech spin-off from LUMC and TU Delft, focused on developing advanced vascular access solutions for dialysis patients. With over 25 years of experience in medical devices, consulting, and aerospace, he formerly led Roland Berger Tenzing, supporting entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures.

At XS Innovations, Toon drives strategy, funding, regulatory pathways, and partnerships. Backed by a strong team in engineering, nephrology, and vascular surgery, the company is advancing the Dynamic Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF) to transform care for patients with end-stage kidney disease.

XS Innovations

Globally, 2.5 million patients depend on dialysis machines as a lifeline, requiring treatment three times a week for three hours per session. High blood flow for dialysis is achieved through an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), a surgically created connection between an artery and vein. However, the constant 24/7 high blood flow leads to complications, often requiring follow-up surgeries at least twice a year.

XS Innovations is developing an implantable valve that opens the AVF only during dialysis, addressing the root cause of complications—constant high blood flow. This first-of-its-kind solution has shown promising results in animal models and is currently undergoing further validation. Founded in 2024, XS Innovations is advancing toward First-in-Human testing by 2026, with market entry planned for 2029. The device aims to transform care for over half a million new dialysis patients annually.