In order to adequately address energy supply and security challenges in Eastern Europe, it is necessary to start from the institutions that provide education for future leaders: universities. Having explored mutual strengths and weaknesses, project partners from Switzerland, Estonia, and Ukraine identified three areas of cooperation for the next 2 years: modernization of infrastructure and teaching methodologies, capacity building and academic career development for young scientists, and empowerment of student initiatives. The project introduces a balanced mix of traditional (e.g. mutual visits) and cutting-edge (e.g. webinars and virtual workshops) knowledge transfer approaches. In order to reach our goals, we planned various activities focusing on energy transition in Eastern Europe. These activities include development of green curriculum, improvement of teaching and research infrastructures, establishment of collaborative working spaces for students, and networking and training events for young researchers. The project facilitates restructuring and modernisation of Eastern European partner universities by establishing new institutional traditions, which range from introducing student course evaluations to best thesis awards and encouraging start-up culture on campus.