Summarised are the findings of recent studies in which a nanocrystal has been programmed to recognise and selectively bind in solution the following: a molecule, another nanocrystal, or a suitably patterned substrate. These studies form part of an ongoing effort to develop a systematic covalent and non-covalent chemistry of condensed phase and molecular components. Such a chemistry will under-pin emerging post-information technologies and point the way to the factory of the future.