Of course replying to an inquiry that the project is in stealth mode is like a slap in the face. This can be avoided by using a decoy project. This will be less

Of course replying to an inquiry that the project is in stealth mode is like a slap in the face. This can be avoided by using a decoy project. This will be less brutal and will avoid attracting attention. Regarding secrecy, obviously the secret sauce has to be kept secret. But the problem one tries to address can be exposed and will allow to collect new feedback. This is valuable because if the existence and seriousness of the problem you try to address is confirmed you earn a new prospect and a new validation of the pertinence of the project. You may also learn new aspects of the problems or expected solutions you may have initially overlooked.