Hi-tech stocks boosted the AIM index 26.7 points to 1,095.9 in a quiet week when the blue chips in the FTSE 100 fell 20 points to 5700.8 on mild worries about Iran's nuclear intentions.

With a technology that many expect will fire the 'clean energy revolution', ITM Power (ITM) revealed it has successfully operated its 500-watt electrolyser in at least 1,000 hours of longevity tests. This helped ITM' s shares fizz up 50 per cent to 219p during the week.

Chromogenex (CGX), the developer of advanced laser devices for use in medical and cosmetic procedures, shot up 47.54 per cent to 11.25p after US regulator the FDA finally approved the group's low-cost laser, Chromolite. Revenue from pre-orders will be too late to register for March's results but should come through in the following half.

Forbidden's Italian fruit

Video streaming specialist Forbidden Technologies (FBT) rose 19.2 per cent to 31p after launching a new consumer video-editing package with Italian-owned internet and broadband group Tiscali. And media adaptation specialist Adamind (ADA) put on 5.5p to 113.5p on clinching a three-year contract with US giant Universal Music worth up to £588,000.

3D computer games publisher Superscape (SPS) went the other way, losing 30.4 per cent on Friday to 16p, after informing of disappointing trading in November. Fourth-quarter revenues are now likely to be lower than expectations and that total turnover for the year should be broadly in line with the previous.

Another 3D specialist, DDD (DDD), impressed with the announcement that Hans Snook, the founder and former boss of Orange and currently the chairman of MonsterMob, has joined its board as a non-executive director and is participating in a new share placing. The shares gained 30 per cent to 18.25p, a considerable premium to the proposed 11p placing price.

In a pre-close update, digital photography picture printer Pixology (PIX) says it expects pre-tax losses to be 'significantly reduced' against expectations of a £1.7 million deficit. Gross margins have improved significantly. Its shares benefited to the tune of 37 per cent to 56p.

Canny Vantis pleases

Latest interim figures from Vantis (VTS) showed it has already completed most of the integration process of last May's canny deal to buy Numerica and that, in the six months to October, profits before amortisation, interest and tax rose 83 per cent to £5.5 million. Its shares advanced ten per cent to 235.5p.

Broker Network (BNH), the network of independent community insurance brokers, cheered investors on Friday with premium interim figures to October showing pre-tax profits, after adding back goodwill, rose 84 per cent to £1.65 million. The shares lost 0.5p on the day though to 117p.