diff --git a/backend/app/init_db.py b/backend/app/init_db.py
index 899b36d..836cfa5 100644
--- a/backend/app/init_db.py
+++ b/backend/app/init_db.py
@@ -267,6 +267,15 @@ async def load_demo_data(session: AsyncSession) -> None:
 
         await session.flush()
 
+        # Add admin user to map with special "__admin__" key
+        # This allows demo data to reference the admin user as owner
+        superuser_email = settings.FIRST_SUPERUSER_EMAIL or "admin@example.com"
+        admin_user = await user_crud.get_by_email(session, email=superuser_email)
+        if admin_user:
+            user_map["__admin__"] = admin_user
+            user_map[str(admin_user.email)] = admin_user
+            logger.debug(f"Added admin user to map: {admin_user.email}")
+
         # ========================
         # 3. Load Agent Types Map (for FK resolution)
         # ========================
diff --git a/backend/data/demo_data.json b/backend/data/demo_data.json
index 19d0a79..707de72 100644
--- a/backend/data/demo_data.json
+++ b/backend/data/demo_data.json
@@ -368,21 +368,20 @@
             "name": "E-Commerce Platform Redesign",
             "slug": "ecommerce-redesign",
             "description": "Complete redesign of the e-commerce platform with modern UX, improved checkout flow, and mobile-first approach.",
-            "owner_email": "demo@example.com",
+            "owner_email": "__admin__",
             "autonomy_level": "milestone",
             "status": "active",
             "complexity": "complex",
             "client_mode": "technical",
             "settings": {
-                "mcp_servers": ["gitea", "knowledge-base"],
-                "notification_email": "demo@example.com"
+                "mcp_servers": ["gitea", "knowledge-base"]
             }
         },
         {
             "name": "Mobile Banking App",
             "slug": "mobile-banking",
             "description": "Secure mobile banking application with biometric authentication, transaction history, and real-time notifications.",
-            "owner_email": "alice@acme.com",
+            "owner_email": "__admin__",
             "autonomy_level": "full_control",
             "status": "active",
             "complexity": "complex",
@@ -396,7 +395,7 @@
             "name": "Internal HR Portal",
             "slug": "hr-portal",
             "description": "Employee self-service portal for leave requests, performance reviews, and document management.",
-            "owner_email": "carol@globex.com",
+            "owner_email": "__admin__",
             "autonomy_level": "autonomous",
             "status": "active",
             "complexity": "medium",