A science competition which awarded only $25,000 to a Texas teen for developing potential COVID-19 treatment is getting backlash.

According to a statement from Frisco Independent School District in Texas, Anika Chebrolu won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge after finding a molecule which can possibly be used as a drug treatment for the coronavirus.

Introducing America's Top #YoungScientist, 14-year-old Anika Chebrolu! Learn more about her winning project that won the top prize at this year's 3M Discovery Education Young Scientist Challenge: https://t.co/I5J7z6zlI4 ???????????? pic.twitter.com/jKHCTS3bcU

— 3M (@3M) October 15, 2020

“I developed this molecule that can bind to a certain protein on the SARS COVID-2 virus,” Chebrolu said, according to CBS DFW. “This protein by binding to it it will stop the function of the protein. I started with a database of over 682 million compounds.”

According to the school district, the 3M/Discovery Young Scientist Challenge is considered to be the nation’s premier middle school science competition.

The 14-year-old also earned the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and won a special destination trip in addition to the cash prize. But the award was not enough in the eyes of the public.

3M Young Scientist Challenge

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week