CMR Fuel Cells has announced that it has made a major breakthrough in the development of fuel cell technology.

The small Cambridge-based firm states that it has moved closer to producing a fuel cell that is ten times smaller than equivalent products on the market.

Rather than sticking with the conventional method of keeping the mix of air and fuel separate within the fuel cell, CMR's cell is based on a "fuel stack" design that uses an air and fuel mix.

By utilising the gases in this fashion, the fuel cell is capable of running for four times longer than alternative technology and is also rechargeable. CMR is therefore highlighting the potential that the breakthrough could present to laptop technology and other electrical devices.

Fuel cell technology has long been hailed as method of energy production that also has a range of environmental benefits.

Through taking the emphasis away from fossil fuel, fuel cells could help to reduce levels of carbon dioxide as they generate energy through a chemical reaction rather than burning fuel.

CMR is backed by a range of venture capitalists, including Conduit Ventures, Danfoss, Johnson Matthey, Mitsubishi and Solvay.

The firm was also the overall winner of the Carbon Trust's prize for innovation this year.