diff --git a/apps/blockchain-node/src/aitbc_chain/__init__.py b/apps/blockchain-node/src/aitbc_chain/__init__.py
index 926cddef..48a0369c 100755
--- a/apps/blockchain-node/src/aitbc_chain/__init__.py
+++ b/apps/blockchain-node/src/aitbc_chain/__init__.py
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 """AITBC blockchain node package."""
 
-from .app import create_app
+# Lazy import to avoid cascading dependencies
+def create_app():
+    from .app import create_app as _create_app
+    return _create_app()
 
 __all__ = ["create_app"]