Ruth Sylvester Okon

Ruth Sylvester Okon is a Manchester based textile scientist, researcher and innovator working at the intersection of RF sensing, smart textiles and sustainable fashion. She is a Wearable Technology and RF Materials Specialist and carries out research with Manchester Metropolitan University.

She is the founder of Ruvees, an independent research and development venture developing antenna integrated textile systems that detect and reduce microfibre shedding for energy efficient washing machines and smart wearables. Its working prototype has been tested in a university laboratory.

In 2026, Ruth was first author of five papers in the Springer Nature proceedings of ASSET 2026. She received the conference's Innovator Award and serves on its Technical Programme Committee.

She holds a BSc in Textile Science and Technology from the University of Uyo and postgraduate qualifications in Textiles and Fashion Design from Manchester Metropolitan University and Heriot-Watt University. Her research interests include circular fashion, explainable AI for sustainable fabric selection and electronic textiles.

Ruth also brings experience in project and programme support, including governance, stakeholder management and process improvement. At VX, she connects fashion with smart materials and sustainable creative practice.