AbstractWe have developed a theoretical concept for the design of novel superhard materials and verified it experimentally on several systems nc-MenN/a-Si3N4 (nc-MenN is a nanocrystalline transition metal nitride imbedded in a thin amorphous Si3N4 matrix). Hardness in excess of 5000 kg/mm2 (about 50 GPa) and elastic modulus of ≥550 GPa have been achieved [1-3]. Here we address the questions of the universality of the concept for the design of a variety of nc/a systems and the upper limit of the hardness which may be achieved.