diff --git a/scripts/batch_llm_extract_live.py b/scripts/batch_llm_extract_live.py
index f0de24e..f177796 100644
--- a/scripts/batch_llm_extract_live.py
+++ b/scripts/batch_llm_extract_live.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ SYSTEM_PROMPT = """You extract durable memory candidates from LLM conversation t
 
 AtoCore stores two kinds of knowledge:
 
-A. PROJECT-SPECIFIC: applied decisions, constraints, and architecture for a named project (p04-gigabit, p05-interferometer, p06-polisher, atomizer-v2, atocore). These stay scoped to one project.
+A. PROJECT-SPECIFIC: applied decisions, constraints, and architecture for a named project. Known projects include p04-gigabit, p05-interferometer, p06-polisher, atomizer-v2, atocore, abb-space. If the conversation discusses a project NOT in this list, still tag it with the project name you identify — the system will auto-detect it as a new project or lead.
 
 B. DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE: generalizable engineering insight that was EARNED through project work and is reusable across projects. Tag these with a domain instead of a project.
 
@@ -213,9 +213,11 @@ def parse_candidates(raw, interaction_project):
         model_project = str(item.get("project") or "").strip()
         domain = str(item.get("domain") or "").strip().lower()
         # R9 trust hierarchy: interaction scope always wins when set.
+        # For unscoped interactions, keep model's project tag even if
+        # unregistered — the system will detect new projects/leads.
         if interaction_project:
             project = interaction_project
-        elif model_project and model_project in _known_projects:
+        elif model_project:
             project = model_project
         else:
             project = ""
diff --git a/src/atocore/memory/extractor_llm.py b/src/atocore/memory/extractor_llm.py
index c8728c8..19417cf 100644
--- a/src/atocore/memory/extractor_llm.py
+++ b/src/atocore/memory/extractor_llm.py
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ _SYSTEM_PROMPT = """You extract durable memory candidates from LLM conversation
 
 AtoCore stores two kinds of knowledge:
 
-A. PROJECT-SPECIFIC: applied decisions, constraints, and architecture for a named project (p04-gigabit, p05-interferometer, p06-polisher, atomizer-v2, atocore). These stay scoped to one project.
+A. PROJECT-SPECIFIC: applied decisions, constraints, and architecture for a named project. Known projects include p04-gigabit, p05-interferometer, p06-polisher, atomizer-v2, atocore, abb-space. If the conversation discusses a project NOT in this list, still tag it with the project name you identify — the system will auto-detect it as a new project or lead.
 
 B. DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE: generalizable engineering insight that was EARNED through project work and is reusable across projects. Tag these with a domain instead of a project.
 
@@ -291,9 +291,20 @@ def _parse_candidates(raw_output: str, interaction: Interaction) -> list[MemoryC
 
                 registered_ids = {p.project_id for p in load_project_registry()}
                 resolved = resolve_project_name(model_project)
-                project = resolved if resolved in registered_ids else ""
+                if resolved in registered_ids:
+                    project = resolved
+                else:
+                    # Unregistered project — keep the model's tag so
+                    # auto-triage / the operator can see it and decide
+                    # whether to register it as a new project or lead.
+                    project = model_project
+                    log.info(
+                        "unregistered_project_detected",
+                        model_project=model_project,
+                        interaction_id=interaction.id,
+                    )
             except Exception:
-                project = ""
+                project = model_project if model_project else ""
         else:
             project = ""
         domain = str(item.get("domain") or "").strip().lower()
diff --git a/tests/test_extractor_llm.py b/tests/test_extractor_llm.py
index 8ef7a88..f5da568 100644
--- a/tests/test_extractor_llm.py
+++ b/tests/test_extractor_llm.py
@@ -130,17 +130,17 @@ def test_case_c_unregistered_model_scoped_interaction(tmp_data_dir, project_regi
     assert result[0].project == "p06-polisher"
 
 
-def test_case_d_unregistered_model_unscoped_interaction(tmp_data_dir, project_registry):
+def test_case_d_unregistered_model_unscoped_keeps_tag(tmp_data_dir, project_registry):
     """Case D: model returns unregistered project, interaction is unscoped.
-    Falls to empty (not the hallucinated name)."""
+    Keeps the model's tag for auto-project-detection (new behavior)."""
     from atocore.models.database import init_db
     init_db()
     project_registry(("p06-polisher", ["p06"]))
-    raw = '[{"type": "project", "content": "x", "project": "fake-project-99"}]'
+    raw = '[{"type": "project", "content": "x", "project": "new-lead-project"}]'
     interaction = _make_interaction()
     interaction.project = ""
     result = _parse_candidates(raw, interaction)
-    assert result[0].project == ""
+    assert result[0].project == "new-lead-project"
 
 
 def test_case_e_matching_model_and_interaction(tmp_data_dir, project_registry):