diff --git a/backend/main.py b/backend/main.py
index af02a9f..a2f2a8b 100644
--- a/backend/main.py
+++ b/backend/main.py
@@ -104,6 +104,16 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
             key_path = "ssl/key.pem"
             host = "127.0.0.1"
             print("Running in CI mode with self-signed certificates...")
+            # Ensure SSL certificate and key are generated
+            if is_ci or environment == "dev":
+                Path("ssl").mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+
+                if not Path(cert_path).exists() or not Path(key_path).exists():
+                    print(
+                        f"Generating self-signed SSL certificate"
+                        f"at {cert_path} and {key_path}"
+                    )
+                    ssl_heidi.generate_self_signed_cert(cert_path, key_path)
         elif environment == "test":
             cert_path = "ssl/mx-aare-test.psi.ch.pem"
             key_path = "ssl/mx-aare-test.psi.ch.key"