Cryptocurrencies and 3D-printed goods are just two of many disruptive technologies that are transforming and reshaping our economy, a conference will hear.

These innovations have influenced the market, enabling new business models, evolving market conditions and transforming social landscapes. But they have also raised concerns and questions in terms of control, sustainability, access and security. Openhere, a three-day international festival starting this Friday in Dublin’s Science Gallery, examines these new forms of peer production and sharing, happening at the intersection of digital and real-world spaces.

Elsewhere on Friday, NUI Galway will host Galway Startup Weekend: an event for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to validate their business ideas and build teams. The two-day event is part of a global movement, which has seen more than 1,000 similar events take place in 400 cities, resulting in more than 8,000 start-ups.

Teams of entrepreneurs and innovators will develop their ideas from an initial 60-second pitch to a scalable company. They will have 54 hours to build a start-up before pitching to a panel of judges, including Ollie Daniels of Avaya and Barry O’Sullivan of Altocloud. Winning teams will receive public relations promotion and branding support.

Organiser and founder of lifestyle management business Busy Lizzie, Tara Dalrymple, said: “The best ideas will be made into start-ups. We hope to create three or four start-ups over the weekend.”