A pioneering Hampshire company at the forefront of the research and development of nanoporous materials has landed a prestigious business award.

Nanotecture, based at Southampton Science Park, beat off competiton from 50 other firms to win the European Union Technology innovation award in nanomaterials in London.

Founded in 2003 and with a staff of 15, the Southampton University spin-off company’s breakthrough techniques allow them to build materials with a honeycomb structure which enables firms to cut back on expensive materials and increase power.

Though it may open the door to many potential uses, Nanotecture has been concentrating on revolutionising super-capacitators that generate power from wind tubines and mobile phones.

Judges were impressed by the uniqueness of the technology, the impact of functionality and its relevance to the energy industry.

Bill Campbell, the firm’s chief executive officer, said the achiedvement came at a time when nanotechnology, material science and energy storage were merging together. He said: “The implications of our work are vast and I am delighted this has been recognised.”

Christina Dhanuja, senior analyist of the awards sponsors Frost and Sullivan, paid tribute to the production process as a noteworthy development.

“Our unique approach to research enables us to develop how best-in-class companies worldwide manage growth, innovation and leadership, and we are proud to present this award to Nanotecture for its innovative liquid crystal template technology.”

Nanotecture’s success follows a £9m investment and a decade of research into a burgeoning £670m market that might end up powering mobile phones and camera flashes.

Mr Campbell expects the market to expand to more than $1 billion in less than five years and he believes his company was the only one working on it.