ODO, a self cleaning denim startup from Pakistan, is aiming to produce jeans and shirts that will auto clean and will never be require a wash. It has crossed $100,000 mark on Kickstarter for its campaign already.
The startup is founded by LUMS alumni Salman Chaudry, who credits the inspiration for ODO to Levi boss Chip Bergh. Bergh had famously stated that he hadn’t washed his jeans in over a year.
Unlike other people who simply shook their heads in disgust and moved on to finding out which ‘Friends’ character they most resembled, Chaudry started thinking hard. A background in textile that’s lasted half a decade meant he was well aware of the amount of water consumed in manufacturing jeans. So how do you avoid sending your jeans to the cleaners and save water? By making them stink and stain proof, of course.
What seems like magic is actually – surprise surprise – science. ODO makes their denim stink proof by interweaving their fabric with pure metallic silver fibers, which counteract the bacteria that feed on sweat and cause an odor. The anti stain feature is a result of how ODO manufacture their products. Instead of a flat surface, their fabric has billions of microscopic peaks, which reduces the contact between the denim and anything touching it. With no adhesion, everything just rolls right off. Here’s the anti-stain denim in action:
Right now, the project is making waves on Kickstarter. The $10,000 goal has been left far behind as 829 backers have pledged more than $108,000 – that too with 28 days left to go. This means ODO is officially the most successful Pakistani project till date. Farhan Masood, one of the brightest minds from Pakistan and the founder of SoloInsight (a ProPakistani favorite), had this to say about ODO:
"I am so Proud to announce that the Kickstarter campaign ODO - Self-Cleaning Denim (made in Pakistan) a startup by a LUMS Alumni Salman Choudhry from Lahore (now in SF) has achieved the rank of highest funded Kickstarter campaign by a Pakistani. They have already crossed $108,045 in their raise and have 29 more days to go.."
They are supported by Founder's Institute's Adeo Ressi and Tesla's Elon Musk (insider info). I have the honor to personally mentor this startup.
Now there’s an endorsement!
If you want to snag some clothes you won’t ever have to wash or clean, head over to the ODO Kickstarter page here. You have the option to purchase a scarve, T-shirt or jeans – all made from the odor free and stain free fabric. Shipping is expected to start in June 2016.
We wish the ODO team best of luck in their Kickstart campaign and subsequent journey. 2016 is already off to a great start and we can’t wait to see what Pakistani startups bring us over the next 12 months!
