Nanostructured vanadium nitride and carbide catalysts were prepared by the nitridation and carburization of vanadium oxide supported on M41S materials (MCM-41 and SBA-15) and activated carbon. The oxide precursors, V ²O⁵/M41S, were obtained in three different synthesis strategies using "in situ" and "ex situ" incorporation of vanadia precursors (V(acac)³) into the mesoporous host. For the oxide precursors specific surface areas exceeding 1,200 m² g^-1 were achieved. After nitridation a slight decrease of surface area was observed. All VN catalysts show a high activity in propane dehydrogenation with a selectivity exceeding 80% towards propene. Impregnation and nitridation conditions have profound influence upon the catalytic activity. The highest activity was observed for VN supported on NORIT A.