A computer implemented method trains distributed sets of machine learning models by training each of the distributed machine learning models on different subsets of a set of training data, performing a first layer model synchronization operation in a first layer for each set of machine learning models, wherein each model synchronization operation in the first layer generates first updates for each of the machine learning models in each respective set, updating the machine learning models based on the first updates, performing a second layer model synchronization operation in a second layer for first supersets of the machine learning models wherein each model synchronization in the second layer generates second updates for updating each of the machine learning models in the first supersets based on the second updates such that each machine learning model in a respective first superset is the same.