Teagasc is to set-up a public-private partnership with the Irish Dairy Board to develop new cheese products.
The Dairy Board, a co-operative of groups, is responsible for exporting 60% of dairy goods from Ireland.
Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle has said they are very excited about the potential for creating new products.
At present most Irish cheese exports are cheddar and cheese for use as an ingredient.
Dr Boyle said Teagasc had previously helped to develop the successful 'Dubliner' brand of cheese with Carbery Milk Products.
He said companies linked to the Dairy Board will produce any new cheeses, while Teagasc scientists will develop the potential lines of innovation.
The Professor said the research would be carried out at Moorepark near Fermoy, Co Cork, and will be in operation later this summer.
He said they also hoped to see developments in the probiotic cheese area.
Mr Boyle spoke of 'mining' agricultural output generally as a source for innovative products in the 'food for health' area.
He said he hoped to extend this research to the beef sector in the future.
All the collaboration between Teagasc and the private sector has the potential for creating more jobs, he added.
