diff --git a/modeling/inference_models/hf_mtj/class.py b/modeling/inference_models/hf_mtj/class.py
index 1b6b2cb8..c0f70843 100644
--- a/modeling/inference_models/hf_mtj/class.py
+++ b/modeling/inference_models/hf_mtj/class.py
@@ -29,15 +29,21 @@ class model_backend(HFInferenceModel):
         #model_name: str,
     ) -> None:
         super().__init__()
-        self.hf_torch = False
-        self.model_config = None
-        self.capabilties = ModelCapabilities(
-            embedding_manipulation=False,
-            post_token_hooks=False,
-            stopper_hooks=False,
-            post_token_probs=False,
-            uses_tpu=True,
-        )
+        import importlib
+        dependency_exists = importlib.util.find_spec("jax")
+        if dependency_exists:
+            self.hf_torch = False
+            self.model_config = None
+            self.capabilties = ModelCapabilities(
+                embedding_manipulation=False,
+                post_token_hooks=False,
+                stopper_hooks=False,
+                post_token_probs=False,
+                uses_tpu=True,
+            )
+        else:
+            logger.debug("Jax is not installed, hiding TPU backend")
+            self.disable = True
         
     def is_valid(self, model_name, model_path, menu_path):
         # This file shouldn't be imported unless using the TPU