A method to grow an artificial neural network is disclosed. A seed neural network is trained on all classes in a dataset. All classes in the dataset are applied to the seed network, and average output values of the seed network are calculated. Class members that are nearest to and furthest from the average output values are selected, the class members are applied to the seed network, and a standard deviation is calculated. Perceptrons are added to the seed network, and inputs of the added perceptrons are connected to the seed layer based on the calculated standard deviation. A classifier is then added to the outputs of the added perceptrons, and the seed network and the added perceptrons are trained using all members in the dataset.