A method for determining a solution to a constrained optimization problem includes programming a weights matrix of a Hopfield network with a first encoded matrix representation of an initial constrained optimization problem. The method also includes employing the Hopfield network to determine a solution to the initial constrained optimization problem. Additionally, the method includes encoding a plurality of constrained optimization problems associated with a target constrained optimization problem into a plurality of encoded matrix representations each of which are a combination of the first and the second encoded matrix representations. The plurality of encoded matrix representations increases in convergence to the second encoded matrix representation of the target constrained optimization problem sequentially. The method further includes re-programming the weights matrix of the Hopfield network in an iterative manner with the plurality of encoded matrix representations.