Nanoco Group connects the dots. Through subsidiary Nanoco Technologies, the company manufactures "quantum dots" and partners with major R&D groups to develop applications for the nanoparticles. Quantum dots are nanomaterials (about the size of 50 atoms) that give off light and can be engineered for lighting displays, illuminating cancer cells for surgical removal, diagnostics and other drugs, and therapeutic options. The dots can even be added to ink, plastic, glass, and other materials to detect counterfeiting. Nanoco Group is one of only a small handful of makers of the nanoparticles.