Methods and apparatuses for implementing a neural network using symmetric tensors. In embodiments, a system may include a higher order neural network with a plurality of layers that includes an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. Each of the input layer, the one or more hidden layers, and the output layer includes a plurality of neurons, where the plurality of neurons includes at least first order neurons and second order neurons, and where inputs at a second order neuron are combined using a symmetric tensor.