QuantumSphere makes such products as nano-nickel/cobalt alloy nanopowder that behaves like platinum but is 80 percent cheaper. Since platinum is 40 percent of the cost of small batteries and fuel cells, QuantumSphere's alloy could greatly reduce the cost of batteries for laptops, cell phones, digital cameras and hearing aids. Most of QuantumSphere's 11 employees are scientists. So far, the company has grown without venture capital. It has started selling its products this year and could possibly break even in 2006.