--- a/apps/blockchain-node/src/aitbc_chain/consensus/poa.py
+++ b/apps/blockchain-node/src/aitbc_chain/consensus/poa.py
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"Failed to propose block: {e}")
 
-    def _ensure_genesis_block(self) -> None:
+    async def _ensure_genesis_block(self) -> None:
         """Ensure genesis block exists"""
         with self.session_factory() as session:
             if session.exec(select(Block).where(Block.height == 0)).first():