diff --git a/pycrdt_websocket/yroom.py b/pycrdt_websocket/yroom.py
index ba4b654..f1de878 100644
--- a/pycrdt_websocket/yroom.py
+++ b/pycrdt_websocket/yroom.py
@@ -231,6 +231,7 @@ async def start(
                         self._task_group.start_soon(self._stopped.wait)
                         self._task_group.start_soon(self._watch_ready)
                         self._task_group.start_soon(self._broadcast_updates)
+                        self._task_group.start_soon(self.awareness.start)
                     return
                 except Exception as exception:
                     self._handle_exception(exception)
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index b9685a0..02afbcf 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ classifiers = [
 dependencies = [
     "anyio >=3.6.2,<5",
     "sqlite-anyio >=0.2.3,<0.3.0",
-    "pycrdt >=0.10.1,<0.11.0",
+    "pycrdt >=0.10.3,<0.11.0",
 ]
 
 [project.optional-dependencies]