diff --git a/src/apprt/embedded.zig b/src/apprt/embedded.zig
index c1a79c9292..61f821e187 100644
--- a/src/apprt/embedded.zig
+++ b/src/apprt/embedded.zig
@@ -1348,6 +1348,7 @@ pub const CAPI = struct {
         config: *const Config,
     ) !*App {
         var core_app = try global.alloc.create(CoreApp);
+        core_app.init(global.alloc);
         errdefer {
             core_app.deinit();
             global.alloc.destroy(core_app);