diff --git a/examples/basic/CMakeLists.txt b/examples/basic/CMakeLists.txt
index f664422335e..cc50b7d1dde 100644
--- a/examples/basic/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/examples/basic/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ endif()
 
 # Creates a cmake executable target for the main program
 add_executable(example_project example.cu)
+target_compile_features(example_project PUBLIC cuda_std_17)
 
 # "Links" the CCCL Cmake target to the `example_project` executable. This configures everything needed to use
 # CCCL headers, including setting up include paths, compiler flags, etc.