Scientific instruments maker JEOL Ltd. and a government-backed investment fund said Monday they will set up a joint venture to research and develop nuclear magnetic resonance equipment.

Under the deal, JEOL, the world's third-largest and Japan's top maker of NMR equipment, will spin off its NMR operations into a company named JEOL Resonance, in April. Innovation Network Corporation of Japan will invest about ¥1.5 billion in the new entity to take a 50.1 percent stake.

NMR equipment is used to analyze molecules. By enhancing research and development, JEOL and INCJ aim to promote genome mapping and other state-of-the-art studies through public- and private-sector cooperation. NMR equipment is essential for R&D involving chemicals, pharmaceuticals and foods. Given tough competition from overseas makers, it is difficult for a single company to raise profits in the NMR business.

By receiving support from INCJ, JEOL is aiming to lower production costs and improve performance. JEOL said it is considering forming an alliance with NMR equipment parts makers and cooperating with research institutions.