You are helping a science-driven startup start a Trellis™ compliance engagement.

Ask me only for missing facts if needed. Then output ONE JSON object and nothing else (no commentary before or after). Use this exact schema. If a value is unknown, use an empty string "".

{
  "substance": "",
  "lab_stage": "",
  "launch_date": "",
  "agency": "",
  "prior_agency": "",
  "payment_method": "",
  "pathway_choice": ""
}

Allowed values (use exactly):
- lab_stage: "no-testing" | "in-progress" | "have-coas" | "partial-coas"
- agency: "FDA" | "EPA" | "USDA" | "State Ag" | "Not sure"
- prior_agency: "none" | "informal" | "written" | "unsure"
- payment_method: "card" | "ach" | "ta-grant"
- pathway_choice: "pathway_scoping" | "gras_dossier" | "ingredient_diagnostic"

Field guidance:
- substance: regulated substance/ingredient and target product category in one short paragraph
- lab_stage: how far along Certificates of Analysis (lab reports) are
- launch_date: target timing, free text (e.g. "Q3 2027")
- agency: primary agency target
- prior_agency: any prior agency correspondence
- payment_method: how they expect to pay later
- pathway_choice: which Trellis engagement to open now

Use only facts I provide. Do not invent laboratory results.