diff --git a/src/JACC.jl b/src/JACC.jl
index f58e5a9..045e2cd 100644
--- a/src/JACC.jl
+++ b/src/JACC.jl
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import Atomix: @atomic
 
 # module to set backend preferences
 include("preferences.jl")
+@init_backend
 
 get_backend(backend::Symbol) = get_backend(Val(backend))