Launceston-based Definium Technologies has been engaged by Victorian mining company Gekko to assist in the development of specially designed ventilators for the Victorian health system's response to the virus.

Definium Technologies chief executive Mike Cruse said the Victorian government had granted funds to Gekko for the fast-tracking of the new ventilators.

"Gekko had heard of what we do and engaged us to help with the ventilator control systems," Mr Cruse said.

Definium is in the process of designing the control systems and has been ordered to design and create 10 prototypes.

"If the testing [on the prototypes] is successful we understand that there will be an order for 1000 more," Mr Cruse said.

Ventilators are vital for those who have severe respiratory symptoms as a result of COVID-19.

Public Health advice around social distancing and "flattening the curve" is in place in part due to the limited number of ventilators and are an attempt to not overwhelm the system.

Mr Cruse said Definium Technologies had some experience with medical equipment but were familiar with the technology used in ventilator controls and were in the middle of the design phase for the new control systems.

Definium Technologies has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic but not as bad as some industries, most of the hit has come from cancelled US orders.

But Mr Cruse said he had been able to retain all staff and interstate orders had lifted. The premises at Inveresk allow for appropriate social distancing measures to be in place.

"Our warehouse gives us 100-square feet between each person," he said.

If the ventilator trials are successful, Mr Cruse said Definium would not have trouble filling repeat orders.

"We would have the capacity to create 500 a week if that were required," he said. "I will make sure some of them stay in Tasmania."

He said working on the ventilators in Australia gave him personal satisfaction because it allowed him to be able to contribute in a meaningful way from Launceston.

Construction on the new ventilator control systems is expected in the next couple of weeks.