AUSTRALIAN dairy manufacturers have the chance to win $20,000 in an innovation award sponsored by Dairy Australia.

The inaugural award has been introduced to support domestic or international industry research projects for sustainable, functional or quality manufacture.

Dairy Australia program manager for product innovation Dr Mani Iyer, said the award might provide the Australian dairy industry with a chance to learn from others overseas.

"Applications could include any aspect of dairy manufacturing, from process or quality improvement to new product development," Dr Iyer said.

Applications close October 31. For details visit Dairy Australia.